Ei-iE

In the midst of a global education crisis, teachers and education support personnel stand resilient, embodying hope and transformation This was highlighted by United Nations (UN) Deputy Secretary-General Amina J. Mohammed in her key address to the 10th World Congress of Education International (EI).

Educators: Pillars in the storm

For Mohammed, despite conflicts and poverty, teachers worldwide persevere, educating in the most challenging circumstances, such as the recent COVID-19 pandemic. Their unwavering commitment is a cornerstone for strategizing a sustainable future for education. “This Congress is a crucial opportunity for us to unite, strategise, and most of all, identify ways to protect teachers and rebirth the teaching profession as we work to deliver a more just, prosperous and sustainable future for all,” she said.

Embracing digital learning amidst adversity

The shift to digital learning and generative AI is underway, with teachers navigating global shortages and training complexities, she went on acknowledging. This transition is essential for the evolution of education systems, she stressed, as “our relationship with technology is certainly transforming, and in turn, our systems of employment, social protection and governance are transforming. The challenge for each and every country is to navigate these changes in a way that benefits people, the planet, and strengthens the fabric and cohesion of our societies. And that is precisely why we must also transform education.”

A call for rebirth: Investing in teachers

Mohammed also strongly supported the idea that the teaching profession demands a surge in investment and supportive social conditions.

Reminding that, when the UN Secretary General António Guterres convened the Transforming Education Summit in 2022 and established a High-Level Panel on the Teaching Profession shortly thereafter, Education International and its members have played an important role in both processes.

“Drawing on the collective wisdom of its members, the High-Level Panel's work and its recommendations provide a comprehensive way forward,” she also said, highlighting: “At their core, they call for rebirthing of the teaching profession. They call for a surge in investment in education as a strategy for growth and for development. They also call for supportive social conditions for teachers, learners, parents and communities. They know the need for teachers to have access to stable contracts, a safe and healthy workplace, balanced workloads, and adequate social protection. They urge the adoption of a comprehensive and holistic national teacher policies through social dialogue.”

Teachers: Knowledge producers in the 21st Century

As education systems evolve, teachers must be repositioned as knowledge producers and facilitators of inquiry-based learning, the UN leader noted. “As we support the human centric adoption of technology, we must empower teachers to be both content creators and autonomous users of technology, not just passive consumers.”

“The road ahead for teachers, the teaching profession and the education sector, our societies more broadly will not be easy,” she went on to underline. “Change of this nature will be difficult. It will be challenging for governments, for parents, for unions and for teachers themselves. But there is no denying that the transformation of education and the rebirthing of the teaching profession is essential. And in many ways, it is inevitable. Now is the time to pivot, to adapt and ensure that teachers are at the very fore of 21st century education systems.”

United Nations: A partner in transformation

And the United Nations stands ready to support the transformation of education systems at the upcoming Summit of the Future in New York and beyond, she said, concluding: “Let us embrace this Congress spirit of fortifying unions, valuing the teaching profession, and protecting educational rights for all. Let's continue to take clear action to ensure that our education systems value every educator, and equip every learner and educator for success.”

Delegates applauded her message, acknowledging that quality education truly has allies at the UN in Secretary General Guterres and Deputy Secretary General Mohammed.

During Congress, the delegates will organise in favour of public schools and education personnel, supporting demands and actions aimed at improving teaching and learning conditions, in particular by reducing class sizes, preserving the safety and health of education personnel, increasing salaries, and demanding better living and working conditions for educators.