January 24 is International Day of Education

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On January 24, the International Day of Education is celebrated, established by the United Nations General Assembly in 2018 to recognize education as a fundamental human right and an indispensable lever for sustainable development. This day invites governments, organizations, and citizens to reflect on the importance of education in addressing global challenges such as poverty, equality, and climate change. Each year, a specific theme guides the debate, highlighting crucial issues for the future of learning.

The International Day of Education is therefore an opportunity to reflect on the transformative impact of education on the lives of individuals and communities. Ensuring universal access to quality education means providing people with tools to improve their lives and contribute to collective progress. However, according to UNESCO, over 244 million children and young people worldwide do not attend school, and many adults lack the necessary skills to fully participate in social and economic life. This day aims to draw attention to the urgency of bridging these gaps and promoting education that is truly accessible to all, reducing disparities.

The theme chosen for the International Day of Education 2025, “AI and Education: Human Agency in an Automated World”, highlights the crucial role of education in helping individuals and communities understand, address, and influence rapid technological advancements. Artificial intelligence is revolutionizing the way we learn, work, and interact, but it is essential that people remain at the heart of these transformations. Education Day 2025 represents an opportunity to explore how education can promote a balance between technological innovation and human values, contributing to building a more inclusive and sustainable future.

Quality, inclusive, and accessible education is at the heart of the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) number 4: Ensure inclusive and equitable quality education and promote lifelong learning opportunities for all. This goal recognizes education as a driving force to tackle global challenges, from climate change to reducing inequalities. Education is a catalyst for global change, capable of generating impacts that go far beyond individuals. Promoting fair and universal access to education means building more resilient societies, capable of innovating and responding to environmental, social, and economic challenges. International Education Day draws attention to the fact that collective action is necessary to ensure this fundamental right.

International Education Day can be celebrated with concrete actions to raise public awareness on the importance of education as a tool to tackle global challenges such as the climate crisis and biodiversity loss. Initiatives like the project 3Bee: School of Biodiversity demonstrate how education can be a bridge between knowledge, action, and awareness. This free educational program, in fact, brings the theme of biodiversity conservation to primary schools, educating young generations on the importance of safeguarding the environment, as well as how technology can help monitor and protect it. Education Day is an opportunity to promote educational projects that can prepare new generations to become responsible and aware citizens.