International Day of Education 2024: History, significance and theme

Education plays a vital role in building a sustainable society. It shapes the nature of an individual and contributes to what eventually forms their worldview. The International Day of Education is observed across the globe on January 24 to underscore education as a basic human right and a public responsibility. International Day of Education is envisioned to promote gender equality, inclusivity, and poverty eradication through quality education and democratic participation. The day also promotes numerous learning methods to bring together talented minds, ensure peace, and safeguard the planet.

On December 3, 2018, the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) adopted a resolution that proclaimed January 24 as the International Day of Education. The UNGA aimed to highlight and celebrate the role of learning for development.

The adoption of the resolution 73/25 “International Day of Education” was co-authored by Nigeria and 58 other member states to promote inclusive, equitable, and quality education for all.

Celebrating the International Day of Education plays a major role in enhancing international cooperation in supporting the efforts towards the realisation of the Sustainable Development Goal. UNESCO, the specialised United Nations agency for education, is responsible for facilitating the annual observance of this day in close collaboration with all the stakeholders.

According to the official site of UNESCO, the sixth International Day of Education will be celebrated under the theme of ‘learning for lasting peace’. The theme's relevance is rooted in the world witnessing a major surge in violence. The theme is aimed at transforming and empowering learners with the necessary knowledge, values, attitudes, skills, and behaviours to become agents of peace in their communities.

This year, UNESCO is also dedicating the celebration to the crucial role education and teachers play in society to shape it and nurture it with better practices.