Addis Ababa, 24 January 2024 – The African Union Education, Science, Technology, and Innovation (ESTI) department celebrates International Day of Education under the theme ‘Learning for lasting peace’. This significant day highlights the crucial role education plays in fostering sustainable development, promoting peace, and empowering individuals to build a better future.

The AU theme for 2024 resonates with this ambition, seeking to build resilient education systems for increased access to inclusive, lifelong, quality, and relevant learning in Africa. The African Union is committed to advancing this cause by addressing the challenges and disparities that hinder equal access to quality education across the continent.

In his statement, Commissioner for ESTI, H.E. Prof. Mohamed Belhocine mentioned that by investing in education for lasting peace, we invest in the future of Africa, a future where every child in Africa can learn, grow, and thrive in a world free from the shadow of conflict. He added that it is organization's dedication to promoting education as a fundamental human right.

Dr. Rita Bissoonauth, UNESCO representative to the AU mentioned that this year UNESCO is dedicating the International Day of Education to the crucial role education and teachers play countering hate speech, a phenomenon which has snowballed in recent years with the use of social media, damaging the fabric of our societies.

Dr. Laila Gad UNICEF representative to the AU highlighted that education is an important pillar for peace. She added that as partners we must maintain education the top of the political agenda.

Dr. Luis Benveniste, World Bank Global Director highlighted the importance of funding education.

Dr. Tobias Thiel Director GIZ AU, congratulated the ESTI Department and Education Stakeholders at large for the extraordinary achievement of galvanizing the AU policy organs to dedicate 2024 as the year of education on the continent. He reiterated the German Government’s support to the African Union (AU) and its Member States to implement practice oriented TVET, by providing young people with the tools and resources they need to succeed in today's rapidly changing job market, helping to create a more inclusive and prosperous Africa.

The African Union recognizes the pivotal role of education in achieving the aspirations of Agenda 2063 – The Africa We Want. The organization is actively working towards fostering innovation, enhancing educational infrastructure, and promoting digital literacy to ensure that no one is left behind. These efforts align with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 4, which calls for quality education for all.

On this occasion, the African Union encourages governments, civil society, and the private sector to collaborate in creating an enabling environment for learning, investing in teacher training, and adopting innovative approaches to education delivery. As part of the celebration, the following partners UNICEF, UNESCO, WFP, UNESCO IICBA, SAVE THE CHILDREN and WORLD VISION provided presentations.

Happy International Day of Education!

For media inquiries, please contact:

Ms. Hiba Mohamed | Senior Advocacy officer| ESTI Department | email: HibaE@africa-union.org

Ms. Janet Faith Adhiambo Ochieng| Communications Officer |African Union Commission| email: ochiengj@africa-union.org