International Day of Education

International Day of Education History

International Day of Education seeks to emphasize the significant role of education as a human right, a public good, and enabler of personal development and social progress. An agenda led by the United Nations, it underscores the fact that everyone, regardless of socio-economic status, should have access to quality learning opportunities. This commemoration calls for a more inclusive, equitable, and quality education that helps in reducing gender, economic, and digital divides while also contributing towards meeting the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

The United Nations General Assembly announced the International Day of Education on December 3, 2018, acknowledging that inclusive and equitable quality education plays a pivotal role in achieving their 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. The concept resonates strongly with the long-standing American principle that similar to other fundamental rights, education too, should be accessible to all, irrespective of their identity or background. The United Nations and America share a mutual commitment to enhancing the quality of learning by facing challenges like inadequate infrastructure, lack of trained teachers, and disparities based on gender, urban/rural location, and other circumstances.

In the United States, International Day of Education is a time to reflect, act, and mobilize. Activities encompass discussions, seminars, and social and digital campaigns that advocate for equal access to quality education. Participants involve not only educational institutions and non-profits, but also individuals who are willing to constructively engage in this initiative. The United States observes International Day of Education on January 24, the same day as the global community, reaffirming its commitment as a steadfast participant in global education development.

Top 8 Facts for International Day of Education in 2026

• The official theme for the 2026 observance is The power of youth in co-creating education, a focus intended to recognize young people as essential agents of change in building equitable learning systems.
• UNESCO will mark the occasion by releasing a pioneering global measurement through the Global Education Monitoring Report that evaluates the actual level of student and youth involvement in national education legislation and policy development.
• Although people under the age of 30 now comprise more than half of the global population, this demographic remains significantly underrepresented in the high-level decision-making processes that shape their own educational futures.
• A new cohort of the SDG4 Youth & Student Network will be formally introduced during the global celebration to represent the voices of learners in the pursuit of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.
• Recent global data indicates that approximately 250 million children and youth remain out of school, while an estimated 763 million adults worldwide still lack basic literacy skills.
• The 2026 events will place a heavy emphasis on the technological revolution and how the rise of artificial intelligence necessitates a fundamental rethinking of traditional teaching and learning modalities.
• A specialized high-level discussion titled Education in the Sahel: A Vital Investment for Stability will be held to address the urgent need for sustainable financing and child protection in crisis-affected regions.
• The flagship celebration is scheduled as a hybrid event at the UNESCO Headquarters in Paris, featuring youth-led sessions that showcase stories of educational resilience from around the world.

In the News and Trending in the US for International Day of Education

Top things to do in the US for International Day of Education

• Thank your local educators and teachers by donating to their school supply wish lists. According to the National Center for Education, the average salary of U.S teachers during the 2018-2019 school year was $61,730. Most teachers provide their own resources and supplies, so be sure to help your local teachers and educators if you can.
• Go back to school! According to a 2017 Champlain College online survey, 73% of respondents wanted to return to college to increase their earning potential.
• Donate to reputable charities or organizations that help those in need receive the education they deserve. Some examples include the Art of Problem Solving Initiative and AdoptAClassroom.org.