International Day of Education
International Day of Education is observed globally on 24th January to celebrate the role education plays in bringing peace and development. The right to Education is an International law that is acquired and followed by every single individual. Education is a human right, a public good, and a public responsibility.
United Nations (UN) International Education Day is observed on the 24th of January every year. In the current year, 2024 the sixth International Education Day is being celebrated on Wednesday, 24 January.
The theme of the 6th International Day of Education in 2024 is “Advancing Learning for Lasting Peace”. The celebration is led by the UN Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO). This year’s Day will call for maintaining strong political mobilization around education and chart the way to translate commitments and global initiatives into action.
History
On 3rd December 2018, the United Nations General assembly adopted and proclaimed publicly 24th January as the ‘day for education.’ International Education Day is an international occasion that needs world through observance. The first-ever International Day of Education was observed on the 24th of January 2019.
The UN’s General Assembly has made it possible to preach its message to every corner of the world and reflected a clear impact. It also sounds for the betterment and welfare that education keeps inside itself; an educated individual, a civilized individual, and hence a civilized society, blessed with opportunities and optimism.
International Community has stressed in its adopted charter where it intends to achieve Sustainable Development Goals. The first and foremost significance to commemorate this day is that education is essential for the success of all 17 of its Sustainable goals. Hence, this day works as an umbrella that shelters and covers many other motives of the United Nations, and the message conveyed through this day has a wide range of effects and authorities.
Education is a life-changer, and the International Day of Education commemorates that. When one learns more, the more they are directed toward a greater good. Education is a surefire way to be future-proof.
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Covid-19 and International Day of Education
There is a respiratory illness known as Covid-19 or Coronavirus, which originated in China and spread worldwide. The virus was transmitted by inhalation and direct contact with the infected individual or objects. Millions of individuals were affected, and the general population was soon cooped up in their homes. All the educational institutes were closed due to the lockdown everywhere.
Due to the rigorous lockdown and dread and worry, education served as a source of encouragement as a source of inspiration, direction, and support. All educational institutes started online education which keeps the students occupied and away from sadness. It also helped them accomplish goals that they otherwise would not have been able to do. Through the Pandemic Covid-19 we learned that education is not only about schools and textbooks anymore.
Education cannot be suspended during difficult times, students were able to continue their online studies without fear of contacting the virus thanks to gadgets like smartphones and PCs.
Celebration
All world countries including the USA, UK, India, Pakistan, China, UAE, Australia, Turkey, Germany, and others countries celebrate the International Day of Education simultaneously on 24th January since 2019.
The day encourages all to engage in and excel at academic success, comprehending that a more informed and educated society promotes a better quality of life for all. International Day of Education is celebrated among citizens of the world and is also an opportunity for reflection and social change toward the advancement of humanity.
Let today be a celebration of the power of education.
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