International Day of Education: A Clear Vision for Fair Educational Opportunities
Education is a fundamental human right, a societal benefit, and the responsibility of all. To highlight the importance of education for peace, for development and equal opportunity, the United Nations General Assembly has designated January 24th as the International Day of Education.
However, millions of people worldwide are denied this right: 250 million children and young people are unable to attend school and 763 million adults are unable to read or write. This is unacceptable and demonstrates the urgent need for a global educational and social reform.
If education is a fundamental human right, why are essential learning conditions so often a problem?
In Germany, if a child has poor eyesight, they will most often visit the appropriate medical professional (eye doctor or ophthalmologist) to get treatment and glasses. In many countries in the Global South, however, the situation is significantly different: Access to optical care and medical care is often very limited.
This has far-reaching consequences. Children who cannot see the blackboard find it difficult to follow lessons. Learning becomes an daily challenge, even though the right to education is protected by law:
- The UN Convention on the Rights of the Child (Article 28: Right to Education)
- the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (Article 26: Right to Education).
Our challenge: Creating a strong foundation for effective learning
Only people who can see well can learn effectively. That's why we provide eye tests and glasses in regions where people otherwise have little access. With basic eye health care, children and young people can learn again and fully develop their potential.
International Education Day 2026
Young people as drivers of educational programs
In 2026, UNESCO will highlight young people as active proponent of change. Young people under the age of 30 make up more than half of the world's population. While they are drivers of innovation and social change, they are also disproportionately affected by poverty, inequality and limited access to high-quality education.
Supporting young people in their right to education as well as in their participation in the policy creation process is therefore absolutely essential.
Sources:
- UNESCO: International Day of Education (Background & Theme of the Year 2026)
- UN Convention on the Rights of the Child – Article 28 (Right to Education):
https://www.unicef.de/informieren/ueber-uns/fuer-kinderrechte/un-kinderrechtskonvention - Universal Declaration of Human Rights – Article 26 (Right to Education)
