ISLAMABAD: The sixth International Day of Education, observed globally on January 24 (Wednesday), aims to underscore the pivotal role of education in fostering peace and development.
The day will be marked with a variety of activities, including seminars, conferences, discussions, rallies, and competitions, aligning with this year’s theme, “Learning for Lasting Peace.” The Education Day theme emphasizes the contribution of education, especially the voices of the youth, towards achieving global harmony.
To commemorate the day, the Federal Board of Intermediate and Secondary Education (FBISE) has announced the sixth annual ‘International Day of Education English Speech Contest’ scheduled for January 23.
The contest encourages Secondary School Certificate and Higher Secondary School Certificate students to share their perspectives on promoting peace, tolerance, interfaith harmony, and gender equality.
This platform provides an opportunity for students with exceptional oratory skills to showcase their eloquence and originality, sparking discussions on critical global issues while representing their institutions at the national level.
The Ministry of Federal Education and Professional Training plans to celebrate the day with events at the National Library, focusing on promoting the power of learning. The program will include awareness activities addressing social issues affecting youth, along with opportunities for vision screening and career counseling.
The National Education Foundation (NEF) will participate by setting up a stall, involving transgender learners and community school students. NEF, through its efforts to provide education to vulnerable groups, contributes to fulfilling the promise of quality education as a human right.
Under the supervision of Senior Joint Secretary Syed Junaid Akhlaq, the Ministry of Federal Education and Professional Training held a meeting to review preparations for the day. Senior officials from the ministry, its allied departments, various stakeholders, and media teams attended the meeting.
UNESCO has dedicated this year’s International Day of Education to highlight the vital role of education and teachers in countering hate speech, a phenomenon that has escalated in recent years, particularly through social media, impacting the fabric of societies.
Designated by the United Nations General Assembly, January 24 as the International Day of Education commemorates the role of education in promoting peace and development.
Education is recognized as a human right, a public good, and a public responsibility. Achieving gender equality and breaking the cycle of poverty, leaving millions behind, is contingent on inclusive, equitable, and quality education throughout life.
Education Day: 250 Million Children Out of School
UNESCO reported that currently, 250 million children and youth are out of school, and 763 million adults are illiterate. The violation of their right to education is deemed unacceptable, prompting a call for the transformation of the education system.
In the face of a surge in violent conflicts and a rise in discrimination, racism, and hate speech globally, there is an urgent need for an active commitment to peace. Education plays a central role in this endeavor, as emphasized by the UNESCO Recommendation on Education for Peace, Human Rights, and Sustainable Development.
The focus on “Learning for Peace” must be transformative, empowering learners with the knowledge, values, attitudes, and skills necessary to become agents of peace in their communities.
