(Education) is of the utmost importance.
(Education) is of paramount importance. (more important than anything else)
(Education) is paramount.
The importance of (education) is paramount.
It is of the essence to (implement…)
Time is of the essence.
International cooperation and sharing best practices are of the utmost importance.
Conservation and the environment are of the utmost importance to us.
It is of utmost importance that you get your condition treated as quickly as possible.
All these expressions are synonyms of "very important", "essential", "crucial"---->necessary, of great value, having a great effect
They have a positive connotation.
Examples:
Understanding the legal terms used in any document is paramount. [crucial, essential, more important than anything else]
Making the correct diagnosis is paramount to a successful outcome after surgery.
Safety is paramount in these conditions. [essential, more important than anything else]
The quality of life, not measured in monetary terms, is of paramount importance. [essential, more important than anything else]
Understanding how the structures react to the earth's movement is paramount. [essential, more important than anything else]
However, hydration is paramount for weight loss and maintenance of metabolic rate. [essential, the most necessary element]
This work is considered his paramount contribution to Australian poetry and literature. [his most outstanding, most relevant]
If you mean to say that a problem is very serious, worrying, or that an issue has become more widespread recently, you can use:
a worrying concern