The volume offers a comparative, region-by-region analysis of contemporary school education reforms and their implications for peacebuilding, inclusion, and sustainability. Drawing on contributions covering Africa, Central Asia, the Middle East, South and Southeast Asia, Europe and North America, Latin America, and Oceania, it synthesizes policy trends in curriculum, assessment, teacher development, digital learning, and values education aligned with SDG 4. It culminates in an integrative “Education 5.0” framework that complements cognitive and technological competencies with socio‑emotional development, peace education, and global citizenship, including an 11‑Gem model for holistic learner growth. Chapters examine UNESCO and UNICEF initiatives, regional case patterns, and culturally responsive practices, offering a coherent, evidence‑informed roadmap for humanising education without overstating novelty or reach. The volume is useful to education policymakers, planners, researchers, and international development professionals seeking comparative insights and actionable frameworks for resilient, equitable schooling.

Marmar Mukhopadhyay is Chairman of the Educational Technology and Management Academy, Gurgaon, and former Professor and Director (I/C) at NIEPA, New Delhi. He currently chairs the WCCES Task Force on Peace Education, Geneva. With over five decades of work in educational technology, policy, planning, and management, he has served as a researcher, trainer, institution builder, and author. He has completed 30+ consultancy assignments for UNESCO, UNICEF, the World Bank, USAID, the British Council, COL, and major IT organisations. He has trained thousands of institutional heads across 50+ countries and held leadership roles at NIEPA, NOS, ICDE, and IMAGE. His publications include works with Sage, IGI Global, and Routledge.