Children need a broad range of skills including creativity, problem solving and collaboration to enter the modern workforce. Through policy dialogue and advocacy, financing and partnerships with the private and public sectors, the Global Partnership for Education (GPE) supports partner countries to improve learning through education systems that equip young people with the skills they need for the 21st century and a fast-changing economy. This factsheet discusses: (1) Why 21st century skills matter; (2) GPE's approach to building quality, inclusive education systems that provide crucial foundational learning skills (literacy, numeracy and socio-emotional) and prepare students for the transition to the world of work; and (3) GPE's results through partnerships with Kenya, El Salvador, the Assessment for Learning (A4L) Initiative, and the GPE Knowledge and Innovation Exchange (KIX).