The United Nations declared today, January 24, to be the International Day of Education, to highlight everyone’s inherent right to a high-quality education and its critical role in promoting sustainable societies, peace, and development.
The foundation of human advancement is education. It gives people the tools they need to succeed, enables them to reach their greatest potential, and empowers them. We can create more just and equitable societies, end the cycle of poverty, and lessen inequality through education.
Millions of children and young people around the world are still not attending school, despite tremendous advancements. Millions more go to school but do not acquire the necessary skills.
This year’s International Day of Education offers a chance to consider the issues that confront educational systems around the world, such as the demand for 21st-century skills, the impact of crises, educational inequality, and lack of access to high-quality education.
Millions of children are deprived of access to high-quality education, especially girls, those residing in conflict areas, and members of marginalised communities. There are notable differences in educational opportunities depending on socioeconomic level, gender, and place of residence.
Millions of children are deprived of educational opportunities due to ongoing disruptions in education systems caused by pandemics, natural catastrophes, and conflicts. As the globe becomes more interconnected, education must give students the critical thinking, problem-solving, creativity, and digital literacy skills they need to deal with the challenges of the twenty-first century.
The international community, communities, educators, and governments must work together to address these issues. Assuring fair access for all, making investments in high-quality education at all levels, and modifying educational systems to meet the changing demands of the twenty-first century are all part of this.
On this International Day of Education, let’s renew our commitment to the transformative power of education, its ability to make the world more just and equitable, and its ability to provide a sustainable future for all.
