A/68/294 protecting the right to education in its various dimensions. The post-2015 development agenda should necessarily contain clear and firm commitments by States to provide necessary resources as part of their human rights obligations. 97. Even though there may be a consensus on the need to ensure State investment in the education sector, a legal framework is crucial for sustained political and financial support; efforts to promote the expansion of education opportunities may fail if they are not well anchored by a legal framework that not only ensures the right to education on a basis of equal opportunities, but also guarantees continued State investment in this strategic sector. 98. In this respect, provisions for public funding for education, especially basic education, in constitutional and national legislation and educational policies in some countries provide practical examples. B. Preserving social interest in education and education as a public good 99. Education should be central to the notion and concepts of global public goods and intellectual commons which are increasingly being discussed in international forums. Education benefits both the individual and the society, and it should be safeguarded by avoiding its mercantilization, geared towards commercial gains only. Providing public services that contribute to a healthy, educated labour force helps build national stability and strengthens the legitimacy of government. Education should be preserved as a public good so that it does not become devoid of social interest. C. Regulating private providers of education 100. To address the rise of private schools, comprehensive regulatory frameworks are necessary to ensure their conformity with education norms and standards. While private schools can be an important partner in delivering education, it must be recalled that private companies focus on maximizing profit. While preserving public interest in education, effective sanctions in the case of abusive practices by private providers of education are necessary. Policymakers must “face up squarely to their responsibilities. They cannot leave it to market forces or some kind of selfregulation to put things right when they go wrong”. 7 101. At a time when market-based approaches in government are becoming prevalent, Governments must be reminded of their primary responsibility to ensure social equality without discrimination, which arises from growth-focused policies. D. The role of parliamentarians 102. Building on the experience of mechanisms such as the Network of Parliamentarians for Education and a Culture of Peace, established by UNESCO, importance should be given to the role that parliamentarians have in the __________________ 7 20/26 UNESCO, Learning: The Treasure Within, Report of the International Commission on Education for the Twenty-first Century (Paris, 1998). 13-42277