An educated population is more productive and more likely to use modern methods and technologies. An educated workforce is easier to train and better able to acquire the new skills and technologies required as economies develop. The question is not whether to invest in education but how such investment can be targeted most effectively in the different context of each country to ensure maximum human, social, and economic benefits. ADB recognizes that its overarching objective of poverty reduction is attainable only in the context of equity of access to quality basic education 1 by the poor. Investment in education is clearly needed to support these three basic aspects of poverty reduction.
Economic growth requires skilled and educated workers.
Social development requires investment in basic education, especially for women. Demand for good governance is closely linked to the level of education of the population. These investments, in areas such as education and health, besides promoting human development and improving the quality of life, are essential for sustained growth and productivity. There are many challenging questions regarding the role ADB can most effectively play in the education sector. The broad aim of the education sector policy paper is to articulate the nature of ADB priorities for education sector development and the sector's role in poverty reduction.