In view of the spread of wars and violent conflicts around the world, and the increase in discrimination, racism, xenophobia and hate speech, UNESCO is marking the International Day of Education on 24 January 2024 under the motto “Learning for lasting peace” by highlighting the role of lifelong learning in preserving and promoting peace worldwide.
By imparting transformational knowledge, values, attitudes, skills and behaviours that promote just and sustainable coexistence, education contributes to equipping people with the necessary skills for peaceful coexistence. UNESCO also recently set out this understanding of education in a “Recommendation on Education for Peace, Human Rights and Sustainable Development” adopted in November 2023, a roadmap for education policy in the 21st century which was agreed upon by all member states.
“Sustaining peace requires a strong foundation of inclusive, democratic and participatory governance, dialogue, solidarity, mutual understanding and cooperation, sustainable development, gender equality and the general realization of human rights and fundamental freedoms. Education is key to this endeavor. – UNESCO, Concept paper on the International Day of Education 2024
Information on the International Day of Education 2024 on the UNESCO website
For more than 50 years, DVV International has committed itself to supporting lifelong learning. Many partner countries of DVV international find themselves currently in war and conflict situations, be it in the Middle East, Ukraine or Afghanistan. The Institute therefore works with its local partners to develop educational programmes to support those affected and to address both the causes and consequences of conflicts. The Institute’s experience, gained over decades of work, shows that Adult Learning and Education can make an important contribution towards peace, international understanding and sustainable development, especially in conflict situations. In this context, DVV International has published an Expert Paper titled “Adult learning and education in times of war and conflict – Findings from the work of DVV International”.
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