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Former Australian prime minister and head of the Global Partnership for Education Julia Gillard was awarded an honorary doctorate Wednesday by a Brussels' University for her achievements and impact on global education.

In an auditorium filled with international students, Mrs. Gillard delivered a passionate speech about education in development as part of the Kapuscinski Development Lectures, a joint initiative by the Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB), the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), and the European Commission (EC). She stressed the importance of an enduring global effort to overcome inequalities and achieve education for all.

“Education is a right, not a privilege,” she underlined, presenting an optimistic outlook at the years to come, taking into account the achievements made over the last decade since the adoption of the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs). “It is heartening to know that change is possible”, she said, but stressed that there is a long way to go before the 58 million of out-of-school children gain access to education.

This is a crucial year with the approaching adoption of a new series of United Nations development priorities set to be announced in September. Within the priorities are key elements for education, which after a long process of lobbying reflect many of the policy additions made by stakeholders, such as Education International. Confirming an education goal is crucial for future policy making and funding, since it acknowledges the importance of education as a development component for economic development, peace and social justice.