Today marks the International Day of Education. At the call of the United Nations, the day has been observed every year on January 24 since 2019.
Education is recognized as a human right, a public good, and a shared responsibility. As it forms the foundation for peace, inclusive development, and a sustainable future, the day is being marked across the world with various programs focusing on the promotion of education.
The right to education is guaranteed under Article 26 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, which states that basic education should be free and compulsory. The Convention on the Rights of the Child, adopted in 1989, further expanded this principle by emphasizing access to higher education for all.
In September 2015, while adopting the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, the international community acknowledged the crucial role of education in achieving all 17 Sustainable Development Goals. In particular, Sustainable Development Goal 4 aims to ensure inclusive, equitable, and quality education for all and promote lifelong learning opportunities by 2030.
According to UNESCO, around 250 million children and adolescents worldwide are currently out of school, while approximately 763 million adults remain illiterate.
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