UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres Message on the Occasion of the International Day of Education

Education is a human right, and a springboard to greater opportunity, dignity and
peace.
Yet around the world, 272 million children and young people lack access to
education because of poverty, discrimination, conflict, displacement and disasters.
On this International Day of Education, I call on all governments, partners and
donors to prioritize education in their policies, budgets and recovery efforts. We
must close the persistent gaps in financing, access and quality that lock young
people out of the future they seek and deserve.
As this year’s theme reminds us, we particularly need to listen to the voices of
young people themselves, and act on their pleas for qualified teachers, relevant
skills and competencies training for a changing world, and equitable access to
technology.
Together, let’s build inclusive, resilient and innovative education systems for all
people.