SDG-4:Debate topic: «Does equal access to education provide equal opportunities for all social groups?»

The debates focused on the important issue of SDG 4 regarding social justice and inequality. The sides discussed to what extent equal access to education contributes to providing equal opportunities for different social groups – the poor, ethnic minorities, people with disabilities, as well as students whose families live in rural areas.

The debates involved students from KazNU, including opposition.
Debaters argue that equal access to education is the foundation for ensuring equal opportunities. It is important for every person, regardless of their social background, to have access to quality education. Arguments were presented.

Opponents of this position argue that although formal access to education may be equal, in practice, there are factors that prevent some people from taking advantage of this access: for example, students from rural areas.
In many countries, there are laws that guarantee equal access to education for all citizens, regardless of their social status, ethnicity, or other factors. Relevant arguments were presented.

During the debates, participants noted several key issues: many groups of the population, such as children with disabilities, ethnic minorities, and refugees, face additional barriers that are not directly related to access to educational institutions but affect their ability to receive education. In some countries, education may be free, but in order to receive quality education, families must incur additional costs that may be unaffordable for low-income families.
The debates emphasized that equal access to education is only the first step towards creating equal opportunities. To truly achieve equality, it is important not only to provide access to educational institutions but also to eliminate the social and economic barriers that may limit opportunities for some groups. It is necessary to invest in the quality of education, take into account the diverse needs of students, and provide additional support for vulnerable groups.

A member of the debate jury from the "Inclusive Environment" NPC was Asel Amanovna Orzgulova, a PUR consultant, doctoral student, and researcher on inclusion issues in higher education.