Why Educational Equity Matters

As Europe continues to evolve, ensuring equitable access to education is a social imperative. Educational equity means that every young person should have access to opportunities to succeed, regardless of their background. It's a key pillar in building inclusive communities and growth for the region.

In 2022, we relaunched the Foundation with a clear mission: to unlock the potential of Europe’s next generation.

This purpose is at the centre of UniCredit’s Social Strategy and aligns with the Group’s broader goal of empowering communities to progress.

We have engaged in projects that provide young Europeans with equitable education, fostering their personal, professional and academic development.

Looking ahead, this purpose will continue to guide our evolving strategy as we work to make a lasting impact.

Why Educational Equity Matters

As Europe continues to evolve, ensuring equitable access to education is a social imperative. Educational equity means that every young person should have access to opportunities to succeed, regardless of their background. It's a key pillar in building inclusive communities and growth for the region.

In 2022, we relaunched the Foundation with a clear mission: to unlock the potential of Europe’s next generation.

This purpose is at the centre of UniCredit’s Social Strategy and aligns with the Group’s broader goal of empowering communities to progress.

We have engaged in projects that provide young Europeans with equitable education, fostering their personal, professional and academic development.

Looking ahead, this purpose will continue to guide our evolving strategy as we work to make a lasting impact.

We believe in the immense potential of young minds. While the potential of young people is vast, many face significant obstacles. From digital exclusion and poor infrastructure to mental health struggles and socio-economic instability, these challenges can derail a student’s path early. Understanding and addressing these barriers is essential to creating effective, inclusive education systems.

We believe in the immense potential of young minds.

While the potential of young people is vast, many

face significant obstacles. From digital exclusion

and poor infrastructure to mental health struggles

and socio-economic instability, these challenges

can derail a student’s path early. Understanding and

addressing these barriers is essential to creating

effective, inclusive education systems.

Population aged 25-34 with a tertiary degree

43%

Unemployment rate

5,2%

Average PISA scores vs. OECD average

ReadingMathScience
PISA Score
(aged 15)
480487491
OECD Average470478485

Population aged 25-34 with a tertiary degree

23%

Unemployment rate

14%

Average PISA scores vs. OECD average

ReadingMathScience
PISA Score
(aged 15)
403406398
OECD Average470478485

Population aged 25-34 with a tertiary degree

34%

Unemployment rate

5,5%

Average PISA scores vs. OECD average

ReadingMathScience
PISA Score
(aged 15)
404417421
OECD Average470478485

Population aged 25-34 with a tertiary degree

37%

Unemployment rate

6,7%

Average PISA scores vs. OECD average

ReadingMathScience
PISA Score
(aged 15)
475487483
OECD Average470478485

Population aged 25-34 with a tertiary degree

35%

Unemployment rate

2,5%

Average PISA scores vs. OECD average

ReadingMathScience
PISA Score
(aged 15)
489487498
OECD Average470478485

Population aged 25-34 with a tertiary degree

37%

Unemployment rate

3,6%

Average PISA scores vs. OECD average

ReadingMathScience
PISA Score
(aged 15)
480475492
OECD Average470478485

Population aged 25-34 with a tertiary degree

32%

Unemployment rate

3,8%

Average PISA scores vs. OECD average

ReadingMathScience
PISA Score
(aged 15)
473473486
OECD Average470478485

Population aged 25-34 with a tertiary degree

29%

Unemployment rate

11,4%

Average PISA scores vs. OECD average

ReadingMathScience
PISA Score
(aged 15)
482471477
OECD Average470478485

Population aged 25-34 with a tertiary degree

25%

Unemployment rate

6,4%

Average PISA scores vs. OECD average

ReadingMathScience
PISA Score
(aged 15)
428428428
OECD Average470478485

Population aged 25-34 with a tertiary degree

33%

Unemployment rate

9,5%

Average PISA scores vs. OECD average

ReadingMathScience
PISA Score
(aged 15)
440440447
OECD Average470478485

Population aged 25-34 with a tertiary degree

39%

Unemployment rate

6,8%

Average PISA scores vs. OECD average

ReadingMathScience
PISA Score
(aged 15)
447464462
OECD Average470478485

Population aged 25-34 with a tertiary degree

47%

Unemployment rate

5,4%

Average PISA scores vs. OECD average

ReadingMathScience
PISA Score
(aged 15)
469485500
OECD Average470478485
An issue beyond borders

Educational outcomes often depend on where and the context a student grows up. We’re focused on ensuring that geography or socio-economic background never limits a young person’s opportunity to thrive.

This map highlights educational systems across UniCredit Group countries, focusing on PISA results, youth unemployment, and tertiary education rates.

Population aged 25-34 with a tertiary degree

43%

Unemployment rate

5,2%

Average PISA scores vs. OECD average

ReadingMathScience
PISA Score
(aged 15)
480487491
OECD Average470478485

Population aged 25-34 with a tertiary degree

23%

Unemployment rate

14%

Average PISA scores vs. OECD average

ReadingMathScience
PISA Score
(aged 15)
403406398
OECD Average470478485

Population aged 25-34 with a tertiary degree

34%

Unemployment rate

5,5%

Average PISA scores vs. OECD average

ReadingMathScience
PISA Score
(aged 15)
404417421
OECD Average470478485

Population aged 25-34 with a tertiary degree

37%

Unemployment rate

6,7%

Average PISA scores vs. OECD average

ReadingMathScience
PISA Score
(aged 15)
475487483
OECD Average470478485

Population aged 25-34 with a tertiary degree

35%

Unemployment rate

2,5%

Average PISA scores vs. OECD average

ReadingMathScience
PISA Score
(aged 15)
489487498
OECD Average470478485

Population aged 25-34 with a tertiary degree

37%

Unemployment rate

3,6%

Average PISA scores vs. OECD average

ReadingMathScience
PISA Score
(aged 15)
480475492
OECD Average470478485

Population aged 25-34 with a tertiary degree

32%

Unemployment rate

3,8%

Average PISA scores vs. OECD average

ReadingMathScience
PISA Score
(aged 15)
473473486
OECD Average470478485

Population aged 25-34 with a tertiary degree

29%

Unemployment rate

11,4%

Average PISA scores vs. OECD average

ReadingMathScience
PISA Score
(aged 15)
482471477
OECD Average470478485

Population aged 25-34 with a tertiary degree

25%

Unemployment rate

6,4%

Average PISA scores vs. OECD average

ReadingMathScience
PISA Score
(aged 15)
428428428
OECD Average470478485

Population aged 25-34 with a tertiary degree

33%

Unemployment rate

9,5%

Average PISA scores vs. OECD average

ReadingMathScience
PISA Score
(aged 15)
440440447
OECD Average470478485

Population aged 25-34 with a tertiary degree

39%

Unemployment rate

6,8%

Average PISA scores vs. OECD average

ReadingMathScience
PISA Score
(aged 15)
447464462
OECD Average470478485

Population aged 25-34 with a tertiary degree

47%

Unemployment rate

5,4%

Average PISA scores vs. OECD average

ReadingMathScience
PISA Score
(aged 15)
469485500
OECD Average470478485
HOW WE EMPOWER COMMUNITIES TO PROGRESS

Education Support

By placing students at the heart of the learning experience, schools reduce inequalities, transform lives, and empower students to thrive, regardless of their background.
HOW WE EMPOWER COMMUNITIES TO PROGRESS

Educational Research Lab

Our Educational Research Lab unites academic expertise and research to tackle educational challenges, producing evidence and resources to support non-profits and policymakers in advancing youth education.
HOW WE EMPOWER COMMUNITIES TO PROGRESS

Talent Empowerment

We are committed to supporting and nurturing the brightest minds in economics and finance fields by offering scholarships, research grants, and awards to deserving individuals in countries where the Group operates. Our efforts also extend to innovative research aimed at combating educational poverty, helping us tackle the challenges students face and develop actionable solutions.

EMPOWERING COMMUNITIES TO PROGRESS

UniCredit People Engagement

The Foundation creates opportunities for UniCredit colleagues to support causes and organisations that matter to them.
Our colleagues play an active role in advancing our social impact goals, building a deeper connection between personal purpose and professional identity.

UniCredit Foundation

2024 Annual Report