International Education Day 2024: Why UNESCO has decided to Counter Hate Speech?

As the world grapples with ongoing conflicts and rising inequalities, the need for education as a cornerstone of peace and sustainable development has never been clearer. Every year on January 24th, the international community comes together to celebrate International Education Day, highlighting the transformative power of learning and urging nations to prioritise access to quality education for all.

Despite significant progress in recent years, numerous challenges still impede access to quality education for millions across the globe. Gender disparities, poverty, disabilities, and forced displacement remain major obstacles. 

However, these challenges also present fertile ground for innovation and collaborative action. Technology can bridge geographical and economic barriers, while inclusive curriculums that celebrate diversity and promote peaceful values can nurture a generation of responsible global citizens.

What is the History of International Education Day? 

International Education Day, celebrated annually on January 24th, is a day dedicated to promoting the power of education as a transformative tool for peace and sustainable development. Its history, though relatively young, tells a compelling story of global commitment to education for all.

The journey began in December 2018 when Nigeria, along with 58 other member states, co-authored and presented a resolution to the United Nations General Assembly. This resolution, proclaiming January 24th as International Education Day, highlighted the critical role education plays in building peaceful and resilient societies.

The United Nations mentions: “On 3 December 2018, the United Nations General Assembly adopted with consensus a resolution proclaiming 24 January as International Day of Education, in celebration of the role of education for peace and development.”

“The adoption of the resolution 73/25 “International Day of Education”, co-authored by Nigeria and 58 other Member States, demonstrated the unwavering political will to support transformative actions for inclusive, equitable and quality education for all,” it adds.

What is the Significance of International Education Day?

International Education Day holds deep significance on multiple levels:

Global Level:

• Promotes Universal Education: It serves as a global reminder of the critical role education plays in achieving Sustainable Development Goal 4: Quality Education for All. This reaffirms the commitment of nations to prioritise education and work towards universal access and equity.
• Addresses Education Challenges: The day provides a platform to raise awareness of ongoing challenges in education, like access for marginalised groups, funding disparities, and the need for innovative teaching methods. This fosters global dialogue and collaboration to address these issues.
• Advocates for Increased Investment: International Education Day acts as a catalyst for advocacy efforts, urging governments and individuals to increase investment in education. This ensures adequate resources are available to build and maintain quality education systems worldwide.

Individual Level:

• Empowers Individuals: Education equips individuals with the knowledge, skills, and critical thinking abilities needed to improve their lives, participate actively in society, and contribute to the development of their communities. This empowerment resonates on a personal level, driving motivation and self-reliance.
• Promotes Tolerance and Understanding: Quality education fosters critical thinking, open-mindedness, and respect for diverse cultures and perspectives. By celebrating International Education Day, we reaffirm the importance of education in promoting tolerance and understanding, leading to a more peaceful and united world.
• Inspires Action: The day serves as a call to action for individuals to get involved in education initiatives, either through volunteering, supporting educational organisations, or advocating for better policies. This personal engagement translates into tangible progress on the ground.

Why UNESCO Has Decided to Counter Hate Speech? 

There are several key reasons why UNESCO has decided to dedicate International Education Day on January 24th, 2024, to the issue of countering hate speech:

1. Growing Prevalence of Hate Speech: Unfortunately, hate speech has become increasingly prevalent in our online and offline world, targeting individuals and groups based on various factors like race, religion, ethnicity, sexual orientation, and gender identity. This rise in hate speech has real-world consequences, inciting violence, discrimination, and social exclusion.
2. Education as a Powerful Tool: UNESCO firmly believes that education is one of the most effective tools to combat hate speech. By instilling values of tolerance, respect, and critical thinking in young people, we can equip them to identify and challenge hate speech and promote acceptance and understanding in their communities.
3. Vulnerability of Students: Schools and educational institutions are not immune to the spread of hate speech. Students can be targeted online or offline, creating a hostile and unsafe learning environment. Therefore, it's crucial to equip teachers and school administrators with the necessary tools and resources to address hate speech within their institutions.
4. Addressing Root Causes: Countering hate speech requires going beyond simply removing harmful content. UNESCO emphasises the importance of addressing the root causes of hate speech, such as prejudice, discrimination, and a lack of understanding. Education plays a vital role in dismantling these negative attitudes and promoting empathy and inclusivity.

UNESCO mentions: “UNESCO is dedicating the International Day of Education celebrated on 24 January 2024 to the crucial role education and teachers play in countering hate speech, a phenomenon which has snowballed in recent years with the use of social media, damaging the fabric of our societies.”  

“The world is seeing a surge of violent conflicts paralleled by an alarming rise of discrimination, racism, xenophobia, and hate speech. The impact of this violence transcends any boundary based on geography, gender, race, religion, politics, offline and online. An active commitment to peace is more urgent today than ever: Education is central to this endeavor, as underlined by the UNESCO Recommendation on Education for Peace, Human Rights and Sustainable Development,” it adds.