International Day of Education

International Day of Education History

The International Day of Education seeks to highlight the importance of adequate global education as an essential pillar for achieving sustainable development and fostering global peace. Proclaimed by the United Nations, this day draws focus on equitable and inclusive quality education and lifelong learning opportunities for all. It recognises that education is not only a fundamental human right but also a necessary tool for poverty eradication, social inclusion, and economic growth. This observance calls for renewed attention and action to ensure that every individual, regardless of their circumstances, can access quality education.

The UN General Assembly declared the International Day of Education on December 3, 2018, recognising education as a key driver for inclusion and empowerment. For the United Kingdom, a country possessing a considerable influence on the world's educational landscape, this observance has specific relevance. Education is at the heart of the UK's domestic and international policies, and its universities are renowned globally. The observance resonates with the nation's commitment to quality education, providing opportunities for knowledge exchange, fostering global citizenship, enhancing international cooperation, and contributing to worldwide educational advancement.

The International Day of Education is observed in the UK through numerous activities that promote the significance of education. These include educational conferences, public campaigns, special school activities, and initiatives to support global education goals. The country's academic institutions, civil society organisations, and governmental bodies participate in these activities, encouraging dialogue and cooperation, as well as highlighting the importance of education in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals. This observance takes place globally on January 24 each year.

Facts about International Day of Education

• The theme for International Day of Education in 2024 was Learning for lasting peace. In 2023, the theme was to invest in people, prioritize education.
• According to Article 26 of the U.N's Universal Declaration of Human Rights, everyone has the right to education. Article 26 goes further and states that education shall be free at the elementary and fundamental stage. It also states that higher education shall be equally accessible to all on the basis of merit.
• Around 262 million children and youth still do not attend school, according to statistics from the United Nations. The day is aimed at advocating for quality education and equal access to education for all.
• The UK is home to some of the world's oldest universities, with Oxford and Cambridge dating back to the 12th and 13th centuries, respectively.
• The education sector in the UK contributes significantly to the national economy, with international students alone estimated to bring in over £20 billion per year in economic benefits.

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

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

• Films to watch that highlight the importance of International Day of Education are:
  Educating Rita (1983): This is an award-winning film about a working-class woman’s struggle to gain an education and change her life.
  Don't Take Our Kids (2015): This Channel 4 documentary explores the difficulties of getting into good schools in the UK and speaks to families stuck in the middle of it.
  School Swap: The Class Divide (2016): Another documentary by Channel 4 which digs into the controversial topic of education inequality in the UK.
  To Sir, With Love (1967): A classic film about a teacher in an inner-city school in London and his unique methods of educating and connecting with students.
• Popular events to attend on International Day of Education in the UK are:
  1) Themed Workshops and Seminars: Various institutions in the UK often either attend or organize workshops and seminars discussing global education issues. Notable participating institutions include UNICEF UK, Oxfam Education, Centre for Global Education, etc.
  2) Webinars and Virtual Discussions: Due to the pandemic, many events have moved online, allowing experts from various fields to discuss diverse aspects of education.
  3) Art and Cultural Events: To engage younger students, schools and organizations may host arts and crafts, performances, and storytelling sessions focused on global education stories.