International Day of Education 2024; History, Celebration and more

Published: Tuesday, January 23, 2024, 11:44 [IST]

Article 26 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights affirms the right to education for everyone, yet a significant portion of the global population remains deprived of this fundamental entitlement, often due to factors such as remote geography and poverty.

Education stands as a cornerstone in society, contributing to critical thinking, analytical knowledge, and the development of future leaders. The absence of education results in a collective loss of creativity and ideas for the world. As the International Day of Education 2024 approaches, addressing these challenges becomes increasingly crucial.

International Day of Education

The International Day of Education, designated on January 24, is rooted in a resolution adopted by the United Nations General Assembly on December 3, 2018. This resolution, co-authored by Nigeria and supported by 58 other member states, aims to celebrate the significance of education in fostering peace and sustainable development.

Celebration of the International Day of Education

The celebration of the International Day of Education underscores the recognition that education is a fundamental human right and a powerful force for addressing global issues such as poverty, economic development, innovation, and well-being. By designating January 24 as Education Day, the United Nations seeks to make education universally accessible, urging education advocates to raise awareness in areas where it is scarce due to social and economic factors.

Facts

A considerable number of children and youth still face barriers to accessing education, with 617 million children and adolescents globally remaining illiterate. In sub-Saharan Africa, only 40% of females complete lower secondary school, and four million children and young refugees are currently not enrolled in any educational institution. This denial of their right to education is an injustice.
Education serves as a crucial pathway to a better life for those less fortunate. The latest report from the Globe Bank reveals that 258 million children and adolescents worldwide are unable to start or complete their schooling. Additionally, 617 million children and adolescents struggle with basic literacy and arithmetic skills, and less than 40% of females in sub-Saharan Africa finish lower secondary school. This continued deprivation of their right to education is unacceptable.
Since 2019, countries around the world, including the United States, the United Kingdom, India, Pakistan, China, the United Arab Emirates, Australia, Turkey, and Germany, have collectively observed International Education Day on January 24 each year.