This presentation sheds light on the persistent inequalities in higher education around the world, emphasizing the challenges faced by marginalized groups, including indigenous peoples, persons with disabilities, and those from low-income backgrounds. Advocating for higher education as a fundamental right, the presentation introduces a new UNESCO report, Reaching for the right to higher education: Evidence from 15 countries, that employs a social justice framework and a new typology to explore policies aimed at enhancing access and promoting equity in education systems. The presentation takes stock of and summarises the key findings regarding the policies, challenges, and possibilities that emerged from the 15 countries: Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, El Salvador, England, Ghana, Haiti, India, Jamaica, Morocco, Peru, Portugal, South Africa, and Türkiye.