On January 24, 2025, the world unites to celebrate the International Day of Education, spotlighting the transformative power of education in shaping a sustainable, equitable, and peaceful future. This year’s theme, “AI and Education: Preserving Human Agency in a World of Automation,” emphasizes the critical balance between embracing artificial intelligence (AI) and safeguarding the human-centered values in learning.
A Brief History
The United Nations General Assembly proclaimed January 24 as the International Day of Education in 2018, highlighting education’s fundamental role in fostering global peace and development. The first official observance was held in 2019, marking a call to action for nations, institutions, and individuals to prioritize inclusive and equitable education.
UNESCO, the United Nations’ educational arm, has since led initiatives to emphasize the importance of education in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 4, which focuses on ensuring quality education for all.
2025 Theme: AI in Education
The rise of artificial intelligence is redefining industries, including education. UNESCO’s decision to dedicate the 2025 International Day of Education to this theme stems from the urgent need to address both the opportunities and challenges posed by AI in learning environments.
While AI offers tools to personalize education, streamline administration, and improve accessibility, it also raises critical ethical questions. How can education systems ensure that automation does not undermine creativity, critical thinking, and emotional intelligence? How can marginalized communities benefit from AI rather than being excluded from its advancements? These questions form the core of this year’s discussions.
The Importance of Education in Today’s World
Education is a cornerstone for personal and societal transformation. It enables individuals to rise above poverty, break cycles of inequality, and contribute meaningfully to their communities. However, significant gaps remain:
- Over 244 million children and youth worldwide are out of school.
- Nearly 770 million adults lack basic literacy skills.
These statistics highlight the urgent need for global collaboration to bridge these educational divides. The advent of AI could be a game-changer in addressing these challenges—if implemented responsibly.
UNESCO’s Call to Action
On this day, UNESCO urges governments, institutions, and the private sector to:
- Invest in teacher training to help educators effectively integrate AI into classrooms.
- Ensure AI systems are inclusive and accessible, especially in underserved regions.
- Promote policies that prioritize human-centered learning, with technology as a supporting tool rather than a substitute.
A Vision for the Future
The 2025 observance of the International Day of Education serves as a reminder that education is not just a fundamental right but a shared responsibility. The integration of AI into education can revolutionize learning, but only if it upholds human dignity and agency.
As the world navigates this era of technological transformation, the International Day of Education is a clarion call: to leverage the power of innovation while ensuring no one is left behind.
