The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO)’s World Teacher’s Day (WTD) is observed annually across the globe on 5th October to acknowledge the vital contributions of teachers and their impact on shaping future generations.
- World Teachers’ Day 2024 emphasizes the importance of tackling the systemic challenges that teachers encounter and fostering a more inclusive discussion about their role in education.
Theme:
The theme of World Teachers’ Day 2024 is “Valuing teacher voices: towards a new social contract for education”.
- The theme emphasizes listening and addressing teachers’ concerns, acknowledging and leveraging the valuable knowledge, and perspectives they contribute to the field of education.
- The theme responds to the significant challenges highlighted by the UN Secretary General’s High-level panel on the Teaching Profession
Background:
i.On 5th October 1966, the ILO and UNESCO signed a recommendation regarding the ‘Status of Teachers,’ which was adopted during a special intergovernmental conference organized by UNESCO and ILO in Paris, France.
ii.The Recommendation concerning the Status of Higher-Education Teaching Personnel was adopted in 1997 to enhance the 1966 Recommendation by specifically addressing the needs and status of teaching staff in higher education.
iii.World Teachers’ Day was first celebrated on 5th October 1994, to commemorate the 30th anniversary of the 1966 conference.
iv.WTD is co-convened in partnership with the International Labour Organization (ILO), United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), and Education International (EI).
Teachers’ Day in India:
In India, September 5th of every year is observed as Teachers’ Day since 1962 to honour the 2nd President of the country Dr Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan, whose birth anniversary falls on the same day.
Significance:
i.Opportunity to celebrate the transformative impact teachers have on education, while also considering the support they require to fully utilize their skills and passion.
ii.To reevaluate the future direction of the teaching profession worldwide.
2024 Events:
The global event organized at UNESCO Headquarters highlights the significance of incorporating teachers’ perspectives into educational policies and creating a supportive environment for their professional growth.
About United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO):
Director-General– Audrey Azoulay
Headquarters– Paris, France
