International Day of Education 2026
International Day of Education 2026
Event Date: Saturday, 24 January 2026
Recognizing Body: United Nations General Assembly
Short Event Descriptor: An annual United Nations observance recognizing education as a human right and a foundation for peace and sustainable development.
What the International Day of Education Is
The International Day of Education is a United Nations–designated observance held each year on 24 January to recognize the role of education in peace, development, and human dignity. The International Day of Education 2026 continues this global observance as a reference point for education policy, access, and outcomes worldwide.
The event is recognized by the United Nations General Assembly and observed globally by UN agencies, governments, educational institutions, and international organizations.
Origins and Background
The International Day of Education was established in 2018, when the United Nations General Assembly proclaimed 24 January as an annual observance. The declaration was adopted in response to persistent global challenges in education, including unequal access to schooling, widespread illiteracy, and structural barriers affecting girls, refugees, and marginalized populations.
The first International Day of Education was observed in 2019, following the General Assembly’s affirmation of education as a human right, a public good, and a public responsibility.
Purpose and Scope of the Event
The purpose of the International Day of Education is to recognize education’s role in advancing peace, sustainable development, and social inclusion. The observance addresses systemic issues such as access to quality education, literacy, lifelong learning, and equity across education systems.
The event applies globally and is not limited to a specific country, education level, or institutional model. It is informational and commemorative in nature and does not function as an advocacy campaign, funding initiative, or promotional effort.
2026 Theme: The Power of Youth in Co-Creating Education
The official theme for International Day of Education 2026 is “The power of youth in co-creating education.” This theme has been announced by UNESCO in connection with the 2026 observance.
The 2026 theme focuses on the role of young people in shaping education systems during a period of rapid technological and social change. Youth under the age of 30 represent more than half of the global population and are both primary beneficiaries of education systems and key contributors to innovation and social transformation.
The theme emphasizes meaningful youth engagement in the design and evolution of education, particularly in the context of digital transformation, artificial intelligence, and evolving approaches to teaching and learning.
A hybrid global event associated with International Day of Education 2026 will take place at UNESCO Headquarters in Paris on 23 January 2026.
International Day of Education Themes
| Year | Theme | Description |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | International Day of Education | Celebrates the role of education in achieving peace and development worldwide. |
| 2020 | Learning for People, Planet, Prosperity, and Peace | Highlights education's importance in promoting sustainable and inclusive development across global communities. |
| 2021 | Reclaiming and Revitalizing Education for the COVID-19 Generation | Focuses on revitalizing education systems affected by the COVID-19 pandemic to foster resilience and equity. |
| 2022 | Turning the Tide, Transforming Education | Encourages transformative changes to address challenges in education globally, aiming for accessible and improved learning. |
| 2023 | Investing in People, Prioritizing Education | Calls for prioritizing investment in education as an essential step for societal growth and individual empowerment. |
| 2024 | Learning for Lasting Peace | Emphasizes the role of education in fostering peace and harmony as a foundation for a sustainable future. |
| 2025 | Preserving Human Agency in a World of Automation | Spotlights the dynamic interplay between AI and education, emphasizing the importance of human agency in the face of automation. |
| 2026 | The power of youth in co-creating education | Centers on youth participation in shaping education systems amid technological and social transformation. |
Connection to the Sustainable Development Goals
The International Day of Education directly supports multiple SDGs, highlighting the global commitment to inclusive and equitable education for all:
SDG 4: Quality Education – Ensuring inclusive and equitable quality education and promoting lifelong learning opportunities for all.
SDG 5: Gender Equality – Promoting equal access to education to empower women and girls worldwide.
SDG 16: Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions – Building inclusive societies through education that fosters understanding, tolerance, and resilience.
How the Event Is Observed
The International Day of Education is observed through conferences, institutional events, policy discussions, and education-focused programming organized by United Nations agencies, governments, academic institutions, and international organizations.
Observances vary by country and institution and are not centrally prescribed by the United Nations.
Key Facts at a Glance
Date: 24 January
Established by: United Nations General Assembly
First observed: 2019
2026 Theme: The power of youth in co-creating education
Associated 2026 event: Hybrid event at UNESCO Headquarters, Paris (23 January 2026)
Frequently Asked Questions – International Day of Education 2026
What is International Day of Education 2026?
International Day of Education 2026 is a United Nations observance held on 24 January that recognizes education’s role in peace and sustainable development. International Day of Education 2026 is observed globally by institutions that mark the day through education-related events and publications.
Who established the International Day of Education?
The International Day of Education is a United Nations observance established by the United Nations General Assembly in 2018. The International Day of Education has been observed annually since 2019.
When is International Day of Education observed?
The International Day of Education is observed each year on 24 January. The International Day of Education 2026 takes place on Saturday, 24 January 2026.
What is the theme for International Day of Education 2026?
International Day of Education 2026 is themed “The power of youth in co-creating education.” International Day of Education 2026 uses this theme to focus attention on youth participation in shaping education systems.
Why does the International Day of Education exist?
The International Day of Education is a United Nations observance that exists to recognize education as a human right and a public responsibility. The International Day of Education provides a shared annual moment to document education challenges and progress at a global level.
How is International Day of Education observed globally?
The International Day of Education is observed through conferences, discussions, and institutional programming hosted by governments, UN bodies, and education organizations. The International Day of Education does not have a single required format for observance, and activities vary by country and institution.
Is International Day of Education linked to the Sustainable Development Goals?
The International Day of Education is linked to the Sustainable Development Goals through its focus on inclusive and equitable education and lifelong learning. The International Day of Education is commonly referenced in relation to SDG 4 and related goals addressing equality and peaceful societies.
References
International Day of Education — United Nations
https://www.un.org/en/observances/education-day
International Day of Education — UNESCO
https://www.unesco.org/en/days/education
Sustainable Development Goal 4: Quality Education — United Nations
https://sdgs.un.org/goals/goal4
