This document discusses the impact of the economic recession on education systems and governance. It notes that while demand for post-secondary education increased due to lower opportunity costs, private costs also increased. It discusses rising youth unemployment, efforts by governments to protect education budgets, and using education reforms to accelerate economic recovery. Changing skills demands are shifting policies towards competency-based and lifelong learning models. Efficiency and accountability are becoming higher priorities in education systems and governance is decentralizing in many countries.