"Education is the most powerful weapon
which you can use to change the world."
- Nelson Mandela
Education is more than the transmission of knowledge-it is a fundamental human right, a public good, and a shared social responsibility. It is the strongest engine of personal growth and national development. Across history and cultures, one truth has remained constant: education opens doors. No nation can truly progress unless its people are educated, empowered, and equipped to contribute meaningfully to society.
Among all human achievements, education stands out as the great equalizer. It reduces social inequalities, promotes fairness, and sustains social stability. That is why ensuring equal access to high-quality education for every child-regardless of background-is not just desirable, but essential. Supporting learners through as much education as they aspire to pursue strengthens both individuals and societies.
Recognizing this transformative role, the United Nations General Assembly proclaimed 24 January as the International Day of Education, celebrated annually to highlight education's central role in peace, sustainable development, and global progress.
Significance and History
The International Day of Education was officially proclaimed on 3 December 2018, with the first observance held on 24 January 2019. The day serves as a global reminder that inclusive, equitable, and quality education is fundamental to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Without equal access to education and lifelong learning opportunities, countries cannot achieve gender equality, break cycles of poverty, or ensure social justice. Millions of children, youth, and adults continue to be left behind, making education not only a moral obligation but an urgent global priority.
Global Challenges in Education
Despite progress, the world still faces alarming educational disparities. According to UNESCO, nearly 250 million children and adolescents are out of school, while 763 million adults lack basic literacy skills. These numbers represent denied potential, lost opportunities, and violated rights.
Poverty, conflict, gender discrimination, climate crises, and digital divides continue to block access to learning. The International Day of Education calls for decisive action to transform education systems-making them inclusive, resilient, and responsive to the needs of all learners.
The theme for International Day of Education 2026 focuses on the role of youth in shaping the future of learning. People under the age of 30 make up more than half of the global population. They are powerful agents of innovation and social change, yet they are often the most affected by inequality, unemployment, and limited access to quality education.
Young people are not only beneficiaries of education systems-their futures depend on them. Meaningfully involving students and youth in designing the education they want is crucial, especially in an era of rapid technological change that demands new ways of teaching and learning.
A hybrid global event will be held at UNESCO Headquarters in Paris on 23 January 2026, alongside national-level events, campaigns, and discussions worldwide. Governments, civil society, and educational institutions will come together to advocate for stronger education policies and reforms aligned with the SDGs.
In Bangladesh, the International Day of Education is observed to raise awareness and promote action toward ensuring education for all. The country has made commendable progress, with education recognized as a fundamental right under the Constitution.
The government has implemented a range of initiatives to promote inclusive and equitable education, including:
• Nationalization of primary schools
• Free nationwide distribution of textbooks
• Mid-day meal programs to reduce dropouts
• Increased salaries for primary school teachers
Additionally, programs such as the McGovern-Dole International Food for Education and Child Nutrition Program provide fortified biscuits to thousands of underprivileged children in areas like Ukhiya, Teknaf, and Kutubdia. Similar nutrition and education support initiatives continue across vulnerable regions of the country.
These efforts have helped increase enrollment, improve attendance, and encourage children-especially those in remote and disadvantaged communities-to pursue education and dream of a better future.
Conclusion
The International Day of Education is a powerful reminder of education's unmatched ability to transform lives and societies. It calls for collective responsibility and sustained commitment to ensure that no one is left behind.
As the world continues to face complex challenges, investing in education remains the most reliable path toward equity, peace, and sustainable development. After all, as wisely said,
"A good head and a good heart are always a formidable combination."
Dr Marufa Afrin Mohona is Resident Medical officer at Square Hospitals Ltd.
marufa.mohona.251@northsouth.edu
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