Although there has been progress in many areas, the overarching message to emerge from the 2011 Education for All (EFA) Global Monitoring Report is that most of the goals will be missed. Countries affected by armed conflict are among the farthest from reaching the Education for All goals, and face particularly daunting challenges. The hidden crisis in education in conflict-affected states is a global challenge that demands an international response. As well as undermining prospects for boosting economic growth, reducing poverty and achieving the Millennium Development Goals, armed conflict is reinforcing the inequalities, desperation and grievances that trap countries in cycles of violence. This report sets out an agenda for change aimed at combating challenges in the areas of protection, provision, reconstruction and peacebuilding.