The UN Development Program has found that every dollar invested in girls’ education yields an average return of $2.80, translating into billions of dollars in additional gross domestic product (GDP). However, it is important to frame aid given to women as equity investments rather than charity, as women need the opportunities to prove that they can influence societal growth alongside their male counterparts. On June 30 to July 3, the Fourth UN Conference on Financing for Development took place in Sevilla, Spain. Amongst the objectives of this conference are discussions on reforming the international financial system that focus on re-evaluating interest payment on debt that reduces budget allocation to education and health services and promoting smart investments that can contribute to gender equality. If these financial reforms are implemented strategically, women will have greater opportunities to gain an income and strengthen their community.
Compiled From: Antonio Lafuente, “$1 towards a girls’ education =$3 for the global economy: that’s how development works,” UN News, June 25, 2025.