Education is a fundamental human right, a public good, and a shared responsibility of states and societies to ensure development and progress. It is the cornerstone for building stable, prosperous, and just communities, serving as a primary driver for scientific and economic advancement, spreading a culture of peace, and opening wide personal and professional opportunities. As such, education is essential for achieving sustainable development.
In recognition of the role of education in promoting peace, development, and human dignity, the world celebrates International Day of Education on January 24, highlighting global policies, access to education, and its impact worldwide.
International Day of Education: Addressing Global Challenges in Education
The International Day of Education is recognized by the United Nations General Assembly and observed globally by UN agencies, governments, educational institutions, and international organizations. According to the official UN website (un.org), education is established as a basic human right under Article 26 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.
In 2018, the UN General Assembly declared January 24 as the International Day of Education, honoring education’s role in peace and development. The UN mandates that states provide free education under international agreements, including:
Universal Declaration of Human Rights: Advocates free and compulsory primary education.
Convention on the Rights of the Child (1989): States must ensure access to higher education for all.
This initiative responds to ongoing global challenges in education, such as unequal access, widespread illiteracy, and structural barriers affecting girls, refugees, and marginalized populations. Without inclusive, equitable, and quality education and lifelong learning opportunities for all, countries cannot achieve gender equality or break the cycle of poverty affecting millions of children, youth, and adults.
Education is central to achieving all 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), according to the 2030 Agenda. The UN emphasizes that International Day of Education should be observed globally, not limited to a specific country, educational level, or institution. The day is informative and commemorative, not a funding campaign or promotional initiative.
International Day of Education and the Sustainable Development Goals
The day highlights education’s role in promoting peace, sustainable development, and social inclusion. It directly supports several SDGs:
SDG 4: Quality Education – Ensure inclusive and equitable quality education and promote lifelong learning opportunities for all.
SDG 5: Gender Equality – Promote equal access to education to empower women and girls worldwide.
SDG 16: Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions – Build inclusive societies through education that fosters understanding, tolerance, and resilience.
Youth Empowerment in Shaping Education
According to UNESCO (unesco.org), youth make up more than half the world’s population and are a strong driving force for innovation, social change, and sustainable development. However, many young people still face obstacles—poverty, inequality, and limited access to quality education and decent work—that hinder their ability to build the future they aspire to.
Since education directly impacts their opportunities, youth must be active partners in reimagining learning methods. With technology rapidly reshaping the world, involving young people in designing modern, inclusive education systems is essential to meet their needs.
The theme for International Day of Education 2026 is:
“The Power of Youth in Shaping Education”.
This theme celebrates youth as agents of change in achieving inclusive, equitable, and quality education, and in building peaceful, just, and inclusive societies. It also emphasizes youth participation in designing education systems during periods of rapid technological and social transformation. Young people under 30 are both the primary beneficiaries and key contributors to educational innovation and social transformation.
UNESCO Celebrations for International Day of Education
UNESCO will celebrate the day with two events in Paris, releasing a new Global Education Monitoring Report, tracking student and youth participation in education policies. The events will also introduce the latest cohort of the UNESCO youth and student network linked to SDG 4.
The celebrations will highlight UNESCO’s efforts to support youth globally, under the motto:
“UNESCO for the People”.
UNESCO encourages education partners to engage in this year’s celebrations and amplify youth voices through a youth-led online event, sharing stories of their role in improving education quality in crisis-affected areas. Collaborations include UNESCO networks such as the Associated Schools Network (ASPnet).
Other Global Activities
Global Parliamentary Network on Education: Hosts a high-level event for parliamentarians titled: “Renewing International Cooperation to Accelerate Educational Progress”, highlighting the importance of development aid in education and honoring supportive governments.
Save the Children: Organizes a discussion titled: “Education in the Sahel: A Vital Investment for Stability”, bringing together governments, donors, international and local organizations, youth, and teachers to share expertise and propose practical recommendations for sustainable education financing.
Education is not just a right—it is the foundation for peace, equality, and sustainable development, and youth are key partners in shaping the future of learning.
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