World · 31 July 2026
Nearly half world’s people live in countries prioritising debt over public services
Illustration: AI-generated for editorial context. Not photographic evidence.
Over 3.4 billion people, nearly half the global population, live in nations spending more on debt repayment than on health and education. The public funding crisis is a result of political decisions, with money flowing to creditors instead of schools. The UN says outdated financial systems need upgrading, suggesting debt-for-education swaps and more developing country involvement.
Reported by Education International · How we write briefs