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Holiday of knowledge, peace and development!

Education is not just a process of acquiring knowledge, but a fundamental element of human progress that shapes societies, promotes peace, and ensures a sustainable future. Every year on January 24, the world celebrates International Education Day, proclaimed by the United Nations (UN) as a global holiday that emphasizes the role of education in achieving peace and development. This day has become a symbol of the struggle for affordable, high-quality and inclusive education for everyone, regardless of age, gender, origin or social status. In 2026, as we celebrate this date in the face of rapid technological changes and global challenges such as the climate crisis, inequality and pandemics, International Education Day takes on special significance. This year’s theme – “the power of youth to create education together” – highlights the role of the younger generation in rethinking educational systems.

This article is devoted to an in-depth analysis of the International Day of Education. We will address key questions related to this holiday, providing detailed answers based on historical facts, global trends, and practical examples. The structure of the article is built around the proposed questions, and at the end I will add my own popular questions that often arise in discussions about education, and give them detailed answers. The goal is not only to inform, but also to inspire readers to actively participate in the promotion of education as a universal human right.

1. Who founded this day?

The International Day of education was established by the United Nations (UN), or rather by its General Assembly. The official proclamation took place on December 3, 2018 during the 73rd Session of the UN General Assembly by adopting Resolution A/RES/73/25. this resolution was adopted unanimously, which indicates a global consensus on the importance of Education.

The initiative to create this day belongs to Nigeria, which was the main sponsor of the resolution. It was supported by 58 other UN member states, including countries from different continents, including France, Germany, India, Brazil and others. Nigeria, as a country facing serious educational challenges (e.g. low literacy rates in some regions and the impact of conflicts on access to education), saw this day as an opportunity to draw the world’s attention to the problems of education in developing countries. Support from UNESCO (the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization) was also key: UNESCO actively lobbied for the idea, since education is one of its main areas of work.

The founders stressed that education is not only a national matter, but a global priority. The resolution refers to Article 26 of the Universal Declaration of human rights (1948), which proclaims education as a fundamental human right, and to the Convention on the rights of the Child (1989), which requires access to higher education for all. Thus, the establishment of this day was a logical continuation of the UN’s international efforts to promote education as a tool for overcoming poverty, inequality and conflict. Today, UNESCO coordinates global events on the occasion of this day, organizing conferences, webinars and campaigns, which makes the holiday even more influential.

2. What is the purpose of this day?

The purpose of the International Day of education is to emphasize the role of education as a key factor for achieving peace, sustainable development and human progress. According to the UN resolution, this day is designed to celebrate education as a tool that promotes peace and development by mobilizing political will, Resources and public support to address global education challenges.

More specifically, the goal includes several aspects. First, raising awareness of educational challenges: according to UNESCO, about 250 million children and adolescents in the world do not attend school, 763 million adults are illiterate, and 617 million children do not have basic reading and math skills. Education Day aims to draw attention to these statistics and encourage discussions about the causes, from poverty and gender inequality to conflict and climate change.

Second, the goal is to promote inclusive and quality education for all, as set out in Sustainable Development Goal No. 4 (SDG 4) on the UN Agenda until 2030. This means providing access to education for vulnerable groups: girls in sub-Saharan Africa (where less than 40% complete secondary school), refugees (about 4 million refugee children out of school) and people with disabilities. Education Day emphasizes that education is a public good, not a privilege, and states should invest in it.

Third, the goal is to promote peace through education. Education teaches tolerance, critical thinking, and an understanding of cultural differences, which helps prevent conflict. For example, peace education programs in countries like Colombia or Rwanda have shown how school courses can heal injuries after civil wars. In 2024, the theme “learning for a lasting peace” directly linked education to global stability.

In general, the goal is not only to celebrate achievements, but also to mobilize action: from governments that should increase education budgets to individuals who can support educational initiatives. This makes education day a platform for global dialogue and change.

3. What is the use of this holiday?

The benefits of the International Day of education are multifaceted and manifest themselves at the individual, social and global levels. First, it raises awareness: annual campaigns draw the attention of millions of people to educational issues, which leads to increased support. For example, in 2023, when the theme was “Invest in people, prioritize education,” social media campaigns reached more than 100 million users, sparking discussions about funding education in low-income countries.

Second, resource mobilization: the day encourages governments and organizations to increase investment. According to the World Bank, countries that actively celebrate this day often see an increase in budgets for education. For example, after the day was founded in 2019, Nigeria increased funding for education by 15%, and UNESCO launched new teacher training programs in Africa. The benefit is also in engaging the private sector: companies like Google or Microsoft are launching initiatives such as online courses for young people.

Third, promoting innovation: the holiday encourages the exchange of ideas. In 2025, the theme “Artificial Intelligence and education: preserving human autonomy in the world of automation” led to conferences discussing the ethical aspects of AI in learning, which helped develop recommendations for schools. This is beneficial by reducing the digital divide: millions of children in remote regions have access to online education.

At the public level, the benefit is to overcome inequality. Education reduces the gender gap: girls with education are less likely to get married early and have better career prospects. Globally, this contributes to economic growth: UNESCO estimates that each additional year of education increases GDP per capita by 10%. In countries like Finland or Singapore, where education is a priority, this leads to a high level of innovation.

In addition, peace-building benefits: education prevents radicalization, as programs in the Middle East show. In 2026, focusing on young people will help integrate them into society, reducing unemployment (more than 70 million young people are out of work). Overall, the holiday benefits by turning education into a tool for a better world, with concrete results: since 2019, the number of children out of school has decreased by 10 million thanks to global efforts.

4. What should I do on this day, how to join the holiday?

On the International Day of education on January 24, everyone can join the celebration by contributing to the promotion of Education. Activities range from personal activities to organized events. First, individually: share your learning history on social media with the hashtags #InternationalDayofEducation or #EducationDay. This raises awareness. You can read a book, take an online course on platforms like Coursera or Khan Academy, or support educational foundations such as donating to UNESCO or Save the Children.

For schools and universities: organize seminars, debates, or master classes. For example, discuss the topic of 2026 – the role of youth in education – through panel discussions with students. Teachers can conduct lessons on the rights to education using UNESCO materials. In 2024, schools in Europe held “days of peace through education”, where children drew posters about tolerance.

At the public level: join local events. UNESCO is organizing a global event in Paris (hybrid format on January 23, 2026), where you can register online. Conferences, exhibitions, or flash mobs are held in cities. For example, in Kiev, you can join initiatives of the Ministry of education of Ukraine, such as webinars on digital education.

For business: companies can conduct trainings for employees or launch mentoring programs. In 2023, corporations like IBM held “Education days” with webinars about skills of the future.

To get more involved: become a volunteer in educational projects like Teach for all, or support petitions to increase funding for education. In Ukraine, where education has suffered from the war, join initiatives like “education without barriers” for children from the occupied territories. The main thing is to act: even small steps, such as reading to children, contribute. A holiday is an opportunity not only to celebrate, but also to change the world through education.

5. Historically about the International Day of education on January 24.

The historical context of the International Day of education goes back to the post-war period, when education became a tool for reconstruction. After World War II, in 1948, the Universal Declaration of human rights recognized education as a right (Article 26), laying the groundwork for global efforts. In 1989, the Convention on the rights of the child strengthened this by requiring free basic education.

The day itself was born in 2018: on December 3, the UN General Assembly adopted Resolution A/RES/73/25, proposed by Nigeria and 58 countries. The first celebration was held on January 24, 2019 under the theme “Education: a key driver of inclusion and empowerment”. This was a response to the crisis: at that time, 262 million children were out of school.

In 2020, the theme “learning for people, the planet, prosperity and peace” reflected the COVID-19 pandemic, which closed schools to 1.6 billion students. The day helped mobilize online education. 2021:” restoring and reviving education for the COVID-19 generation ” – Focus on recovery. 2022: “change of course, transformation of education” – about innovation. 2023: “invest in people, prioritize education” – a call for funding. 2024: “learning for lasting peace” – education against conflict. 2025: “artificial intelligence and education” – AI ethics.

Historically, the day evolves with global events: from the refugee crisis to the climate. In 2026, the focus on youth reflects demographics – more than half of the world’s population is under 30. in Ukraine, the historical context: since 2014, education has adapted to the conflict, and the day is celebrated through partnership with UNESCO. In general, this holiday is part of the history of the United Nations in the struggle for education as the basis of peace.

6.1. What are the global challenges in education today?

Global Challenges in education are numerous and interrelated. First, accessibility: according to UNESCO, 244 million children are out of school, mostly in Africa and Asia, due to poverty, conflict and gender barriers. Girls face discrimination – millions do not study in Pakistan or Afghanistan.

Second, quality: 617 million children do not have basic skills, due to overcrowded classrooms and a lack of teachers (69 million new ones are needed). The pandemic has worsened the situation, causing a “lost generation”.

Third, the digital divide: in low-income countries, only 10% have access to the internet, which makes online learning difficult. AI and technology are a challenge: they can personalize education, but risk exacerbating inequality without regulation.

Fourth, climate change: schools in vulnerable regions are being closed due to floods or droughts, as in Bangladesh. Education for refugees (48% of refugee children out of school) and adults (763 million illiterate) is also a challenge.

Solutions: investment (countries should spend 4-6% of GDP on education), innovation (as in Estonia with digital schools) and international cooperation. International Education Day helps address these challenges through global dialogue.

6.2. How does education contribute to World Peace?

Education promotes peace by developing tolerance, critical thinking, and understanding. According to UNESCO’s education for peace theory, it prevents conflicts by teaching history and Human Rights. In Rwanda, for example, since the 1994 genocide, school reconciliation programs have reduced ethnic tensions.

Education reduces poverty-a conflict factor: educated people have 50% higher incomes, which stabilizes societies. In Colombia, education programs for former FARC fighters have helped reintegrate. Gender education: educated women contribute to peace, as in Liberia, where they played a role in ending the Civil War.

Globally, Education opposes radicalization: in Europe, programs against extremism in schools reduce recruitment to terrorist groups. In 2024, the theme “learning for lasting peace” highlighted this with initiatives in Ukraine for children from the conflict zone. Education is an investment: according to the UN, освіту 1 for education gives мир 10 for peace and development. Challenges: in war zones, education suffers, but programs like “education can’t wait” help.

6.3. The role of education in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG)?

Education is the key to all 17 UN Sustainable Development Goals by 2030. SDG 4-directly about education: provide inclusive quality for all. But it affects others: SDG 1 (overcoming poverty) – education increases incomes; SDG 2 (hunger) – educated farmers are more efficient; SDG 3 (health) – hygiene education reduces diseases.

SDG 5 (Gender Equality): girls ‘ education reduces child marriage. SDG 8 (Work): Skills for the labor market. SDG 13 (climate): environmental education, as in Sweden. SDG 16 (Mir): education against corruption.

Progress: since 2015, the number of children in schools has increased, but the pandemic has pushed back. In 2026, SDG 4.7 (sustainability education) will help focus on young people. In Ukraine, education promotes SDG through reforms, but the war slows down. Education multiplier: achieving SDG 4 will speed up others by 50%.

6.4. How will technology change education in the future?

Technology is revolutionizing education, making it more accessible and personalized. AI: platforms like Duolingo adapt lessons. VR: virtual excursions into history. Online Courses: MOOCs span millions like edX.

Challenges: the digital divide-in Africa, only 40% have internet access. AI ethics: biases in algorithms. In 2025, the topic “AI and education” discussed the preservation of autonomy – AI as an assistant, not a replacement for teachers.

The future: hybrid learning, as after COVID. In Singapore, AI evaluates students. In Ukraine: platforms like Prometheus for distance learning during the war. Technology is a tool, but regulation is needed for inclusivity.

6.5. Education in Ukraine and how is the International Day of education relevant for us?

In Ukraine, education is a priority, but challenges from the war. Since 2014, reforms: the new Ukrainian school focuses on competencies. Education Day is relevant: in 2026, you can join the events of the Ministry of education and science, such as webinars about young people.

Benefits: education restores society-programs for children from Donbass. Statistics: 5 million children were affected by the war, but online education helps. Global context: partnerships with UNESCO for school reconstruction. The day is an occasion for solidarity, inspiring investment in education as the basis for peace in Ukraine.

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