The International Day of Education is an international day celebrated annually on January 24. It emphasizes the role of education in protecting human rights, ensuring peace and supporting sustainable development. This day highlights the recognition of education as a universal right and brings forward the importance of making lifelong learning opportunities accessible to all.

History

The United Nations General Assembly declared January 24 as the International Day of Education through its resolution 73/25 dated December 3, 2018. The resolution emphasized the significant role of education in building sustainable and resilient societies and contributing to the achievement of sustainable development goals. The international and constitutional framework of the right to education is defined by Article 26 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights. These documents state that education should serve the development of the human personality and the strengthening of respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms.

Objectives

The main purpose of the International Day of Education is to emphasize the power of education to transform the lives of individuals and communities. The day highlights the contribution of education to the elimination of poverty and hunger, the reduction of inequalities and the promotion of gender equality. It also serves to strengthen respect for human rights and the rule of law and to promote social development through inclusive and equitable quality education.

The Right to Education and Inclusivity

Education is a universal right within the scope of human rights and states are responsible for ensuring that all individuals benefit equally from this right. Providing inclusive and equitable quality education at the primary, secondary and higher education levels is important for ensuring lifelong learning opportunities. Inequalities in access to education hinder the achievement of gender equality and the fight against poverty. Therefore, inclusivity and equality in education are of critical importance for sustainable development and social justice.

One of the main factors affecting the quality of education is leadership. Effective educational leadership can be realized through teachers and administrators at the school level or through government policies. UNESCO’s Global Education Monitoring Report examines leadership practices in different countries, the visions shaping leadership and the impact of social, cultural and administrative factors on educational outcomes.

Artificial Intelligence and Education

The International Day of Education 2025 was celebrated with the theme “Artificial Intelligence and Education: Protecting Human Agency in the Age of Automation.” This theme emphasizes the role of education in preparing individuals and communities to understand, direct and influence technological developments. Artificial intelligence, when applied correctly in education, offers significant opportunities. UNESCO recommends that AI should be used not to replace teachers and students but as a tool that supports the human and social dimensions of learning. Reports published in 2023 and 2024 provide frameworks for the safe, ethical, inclusive and responsible use of AI and recommend a minimum age limit of 13 years for the use of AI tools in school environments. More than two-thirds of students worldwide use generative AI tools in their studies, while teachers benefit from AI in lesson preparation and assessment. However, only about 10 percent of schools and universities have an official framework for AI use. UNESCO emphasizes that the resources allocated by governments for AI should not divert from priority areas such as basic infrastructure and teacher support in education.^【1】 

Significance

The International Day of Education aims to promote the recognition of education as a universal right, ensure the provision of inclusive and equitable quality educational opportunities, strengthen the culture of lifelong learning and support social development. Education is regarded as a fundamental tool in combating poverty and inequalities, protecting human rights and fostering the sustainable development of societies.