This study examines UNESCO’s contributions to global skill development and education using data from the Global Education Monitoring (GEM) Report 2024/25 and UIS SDG 4 indicators. Moving beyond a descriptive summary, the study analyzes foundational, technical (TVET), and digital skills to identify structural gaps in global education systems. It highlights disparities in access and reveals a mismatch between educational attainment and labor market needs. The findings indicate an imbalance between basic education and employability-oriented skills, emphasizing the need to shift from access-based to outcome-based skill development policies. Keywords: UNESCO, skill development, education, technical and vocational education and training (TVET), digital skills, lifelong learning, SDG 4.