International Day of Education 2025
International Day of Education 2025: Learning for Lasting Peace
Observed annually on January 24, the International Day of Education celebrates the essential role of education in promoting peace, sustainable development, and global unity. Established by the United Nations General Assembly in 2018, this day highlights the transformative power of education to shape resilient societies, create opportunities, and support the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Origins and Background
The United Nations General Assembly declared January 24 as the International Day of Education in December 2018, and the day was first celebrated in 2019. Since then, it has served as a global call to action, emphasizing education's role in fostering a well-informed, inclusive, and peaceful society. The 2025 theme, "Learning for Lasting Peace," reinforces the commitment to building stable communities and empowering individuals through education.
Education's Role in a Peaceful, Inclusive World
Education provides individuals with knowledge, skills, and values, helping them actively participate in society and address global challenges. It is a powerful tool for reducing poverty, promoting gender equality, and driving social inclusion. By supporting educational initiatives, governments, organizations, and communities contribute to a more stable and prosperous world, where people are equipped to understand diverse perspectives and resolve conflicts peacefully.
Connection to the Sustainable Development Goals
The International Day of Education directly supports multiple SDGs, highlighting the global commitment to inclusive and equitable education for all:
SDG 4: Quality Education – Ensuring inclusive and equitable quality education and promoting lifelong learning opportunities for all.
SDG 5: Gender Equality – Promoting equal access to education to empower women and girls worldwide.
SDG 16: Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions – Building inclusive societies through education that fosters understanding, tolerance, and resilience.
Global Efforts and Initiatives
The International Day of Education promotes various global initiatives that support education access and quality. In recent years, organizations such as UNICEF, UNESCO, and the World Bank have led programs to improve educational infrastructure, provide learning materials, and support teacher training in underserved regions. These efforts continue to emphasize the importance of investing in education to ensure everyone has the opportunity to learn and thrive.
How to Support International Day of Education 2025
On January 24, 2025, individuals, educators, and organizations can participate in the International Day of Education by advocating for accessible and equitable education. Activities can include educational workshops, community discussions, and social media campaigns to raise awareness about the importance of education in creating a peaceful world.
International Day of Education Themes
| Year | Theme | Description |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | International Day of Education | Celebrates the role of education in achieving peace and development worldwide. |
| 2020 | Learning for People, Planet, Prosperity, and Peace | Highlights education's importance in promoting sustainable and inclusive development across global communities. |
| 2021 | Reclaiming and Revitalizing Education for the COVID-19 Generation | Focuses on revitalizing education systems affected by the COVID-19 pandemic to foster resilience and equity. |
| 2022 | Turning the Tide, Transforming Education | Encourages transformative changes to address challenges in education globally, aiming for accessible and improved learning. |
| 2023 | Investing in People, Prioritizing Education | Calls for prioritizing investment in education as an essential step for societal growth and individual empowerment. |
| 2024 | Learning for Lasting Peace | Emphasizes the role of education in fostering peace and harmony as a foundation for a sustainable future. |
