International Day of Education

International Day of Education History

International Day of Education serves to celebrate and acknowledge the fundamental role of education in prompting peace and development. This observance highlightsthe fact that education is not a privilege, but a basic human right, and a public cause. The day offers an ideal platform to advocate for inclusive and equitable education for all children, adults and lifelong learners.

The inception of the International Day of Education can be traced back to 2018, when the United Nations General Assembly proclaimed it to highlight the significance of education in aiding sustainable development. For Australians, this day presents an opportunity to reflect on the quality and accessibility of education in our country. While Australia generally boasts a high standard of education, challenges, particularly in relation to equity among indigenous communities and rural regions, remain substantial. The International Day of Education serves as a reminder for us to address these inequalities.

In Australia, the International Day of Education is typically commemorated through various educational and public events, including seminars, workshops and conferences, either physical or virtually. Schools, colleges and universities play a pivotal role in awareness-raising activities, encompassing issues of educational inclusivity, quality and lifelong learning. Commemorative activities often place a spotlight on ongoing efforts to improve and equalize education in all corners of the country. This special observance takes place globally on January 24th each year.

Top 10 Facts for 2026 International Day of Education in Australia

• The 2026 International Day of Education is observed under the global theme The power of youth in co-creating education, emphasizing a shift toward involving students as active partners in reimagining modern learning systems.
• To mark the occasion, UNESCO’s Global Education Monitoring Report is releasing a significant new publication titled Lead with Youth, which provides the first global measurement of how effectively young people are participating in education legislation and policymaking.
• In a major local development, Term 1 of 2026 marks the official rollout of the National AI Literacy Program, an initiative aiming to reach one million Australian students within three years to bridge the country's artificial intelligence skills gap.
• This year’s observance coincides with the commencement of the landmark $16.5 billion Better and Fairer Schools Agreement, which represents the single largest federal funding boost for public schools in Australian history.
• Families across the country are expected to engage heavily with new state-based financial relief measures, such as Victoria’s $400 School Saving Bonus and Queensland's Back to School Boost credit, as they prepare for the 2026 academic year.
• A significant pedagogical shift is taking place in 2026 as Victoria and Tasmania join other states in making the Science of Reading and mandatory phonics instruction a core requirement in early primary education.
• The higher education sector is navigating a new framework for international student places, with the National Planning Level raised to 295,000 for 2026 to better align university growth with student accommodation and regional engagement.
• Cultural conversations around education are being fueled by the release of several new Australian creative works, including the ABC Kids series Knee High Spies and the poignant historical documentary The Colleano Heart, which explores the reclaimed identity of Aboriginal performers.
• Educators are gathering for the National Visual Arts Education Conference 2026 in Canberra, which features the exclusive Australian presentation of Dispatch, a graphic score by Pulitzer Prize-winning composer Raven Chacon and curator Candice Hopkins.
• The 2026 academic calendar presents a unique logistical challenge for families and schools due to an unusually compressed Term 1, caused by the early arrival of the Easter break in early April.

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

Top things to do in Australia for International Day of Education

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• Popular things to do on International Day of Education in Australia are:
  1) Visit a Museum: Australia is home to a large number of impressive museums such as the Australian Museum in Sydney, the National Gallery of Australia in Canberra, or the Melbourne Museum. These offer a wealth of knowledge about the history and culture of Australia and the world.
  2) Visit a Zoo: Places like the Taronga Zoo in Sydney, the Melbourne Zoo, or the Australia Zoo in Queensland offer great educational experiences about wildlife.
  3)Plan a Visit to the National Library of Australia: This library holds a significant part of Australia's history and knowledge.
  4) Visit the Royal Botanic Gardens: There are botanical gardens in Sydney, Melbourne, and other major cities. These are excellent places to learn about plant biodiversity.