The world is celebrating first ever #InternationalDayofEducation

United Nations, Jan 24: “We must do far more to advance sustainable development goals 4, to ensure inclusive and equitable quality education and promote lifelong learning opportunities for all”, said Antonio Guterres on the occasion of first-ever International Day of Education.

The adoption of the resolution 73/25 “International Day of Education”, co-authored by Nigeria and 58 other Member States, demonstrated the unwavering political will to support transformative actions for inclusive, equitable and quality education for all. By doing so, the international community reiterated that education plays a key role in building sustainable and resilient societies, and contributes to the achievement of all other Sustainable Development Goals.

By proclaiming the International Day of Education, UN member states recognized the importance of working to ensure inclusive and equitable quality education at all levels – so that all people may have access to lifelong learning opportunities that help them to acquire the knowledge and skills needed to access opportunities to participate fully in society and contribute to sustainable development.

UNESCO, as the specialized United Nations agency for education, will facilitate the annual observance of the Day in close collaboration with main education actors. With a view to enhance international cooperation in supporting the efforts towards the realization of Sustainable Development Goal 4, the resolution called on all stakeholders including Member States, organizations of the UN system, and civil society, non-governmental organizations, academic institutions, the private sector, individuals and other relevant stakeholders to observe the International Day of Education.

On this day, Audrey Azoulay, UNESCO secretary General said, “Education is the most powerful force in our hands to ensure significant improvements in health, to stimulate economic growth, to unlock the potential and innovation we need to build more resilient and sustainable societies”.

Today, UNESCO will release a new book-“Right to education handbook”, it will also publish new data on education inequalities showing which population groups are lagging behind in achieving SDG 4.

 

Bringing together the voices of governments, UN, Private sector and Youth organizations, the event will be a platform to highlight education’s vital contribution to entire 2030 agenda and to strengthen collective action to achieve SDG4. UNESCO, as the specialized United Nations agency for education, will facilitate the annual observance of the Day in close collaboration with main education actors.