The International Day of Education 2025: celebrating learning for a sustainable future

The International Day of Education 2025, celebrated annually on January 24, serves as a global reminder of the critical role education plays in fostering peace, prosperity, and sustainable development. Proclaimed by the United Nations General Assembly in 2018, this day underscores the need for equitable, inclusive, and quality education for all—a cornerstone of the UN’s 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.

Origin and Aim

The idea for an International Day of Education originated from the recognition that education is a human right and an essential driver for development. With over 260 million children and youth out of school worldwide, this day aims to spotlight the barriers to education and mobilize international efforts to overcome them. By promoting awareness and action, it strives to empower individuals with the knowledge, skills, and opportunities they need to thrive in a rapidly changing world.

Initiatives and Celebrations in 2025

This year, the theme, “Education for a Sustainable Tomorrow,” emphasizes the critical role of education in addressing climate change, inequality, and other global challenges. Governments, NGOs, and educators worldwide are organizing events, such as workshops, conferences, and student-led initiatives, to promote innovative teaching practices and curriculum reforms. Many schools are focusing on STEM education, environmental awareness, and digital literacy, ensuring that students are prepared for the demands of the future workforce.

Agenda 2030 and Education

As part of the UN’s Agenda 2030, Sustainable Development Goal 4 (SDG 4) seeks to ensure inclusive and equitable quality education for all by 2030. This goal is the foundation for building resilient societies, reducing poverty, and fostering gender equality. The International Day of Education provides an opportunity to assess progress toward these targets while urging global stakeholders to strengthen their commitments.

A Teacher’s Perspective

For teachers, this day is both a celebration and a call to action. Many educators see it as an opportunity to reflect on their role in shaping the future. As one teacher shares, “Education is not just about academics; it’s about empowering minds to solve problems, think critically, and contribute meaningfully to the world.” Teachers believe that acknowledging their contributions while addressing challenges like teacher shortages and outdated systems is essential to achieving the ambitious goals of Agenda 2030.

The International Day of Education 2025 reminds us that every child deserves the chance to learn, grow, and build a brighter tomorrow.

Vocabulary – verbs

To Foster – Promuovere / Favorire
Meaning: To encourage the development or growth of something.
Example 1 (English): “Education helps to foster creativity and critical thinking.” Translation: “L’istruzione aiuta a promuovere la creatività e il pensiero critico.”
Example 2 (English): “We must foster collaboration among students.”
Translation: “Dobbiamo favorire la collaborazione tra gli studenti.”

To Underscore – Sottolineare / Evidenziare
Meaning: To emphasize or draw attention to something important.
Example 1 (English): “The teacher underscored the importance of regular study habits.”
Translation: “L’insegnante ha sottolineato l’importanza di abitudini di studio regolari.”
Example 2 (English): “This event underscores the value of education for sustainable development.” Translation: “Questo evento evidenzia il valore dell’istruzione per lo sviluppo sostenibile.”

To Strive – Sforzarsi / Impegnarsi
Meaning: To make a great effort to achieve or obtain something.
Example 1 (English): “We must strive to provide quality education for all.”
Translation: “Dobbiamo sforzarci di garantire un’istruzione di qualità per tutti.”
Example 2 (English): “She strives for excellence in her studies.”
Translation: “Si impegna per l’eccellenza nei suoi studi.”

To Thrive – Prosperare / Fiorire
Meaning: To grow or develop successfully, especially in a challenging environment.
Example 1 (English): “Children thrive in environments that encourage learning and creativity.” Translation: “I bambini prosperano in ambienti che incoraggiano l’apprendimento e la creatività.”
Example 2 (English): “The program helps communities thrive despite economic challenges.” Translation: “Il programma aiuta le comunità a fiorire nonostante le sfide economiche.”

Vocabulary – nouns

Education – Istruzione
Example: “L’istruzione è un diritto fondamentale di ogni bambino.”
(“Education is a fundamental right for every child.”)

Sustainable – Sostenibile
Example: “Dobbiamo costruire un futuro più sostenibile attraverso l’istruzione.”
(“We must build a more sustainable future through education.”)

Equitable – Equo/a
Example: “L’accesso equo all’istruzione è fondamentale per ridurre le disuguaglianze.”
(“Equitable access to education is essential for reducing inequalities.”)

Empower – Potenziare
Example: “L’istruzione ha il potere di potenziare le comunità.”
(“Education has the power to empower communities.”)

Awareness – Consapevolezza
Example: “Dobbiamo aumentare la consapevolezza sull’importanza dell’istruzione.”
(“We need to raise awareness about the importance of education.”)

Commitments – Impegni
Example: “Gli impegni globali sono necessari per raggiungere gli obiettivi educativi.”
(“Global commitments are needed to achieve educational goals.”)

Challenges – Sfide
Example: “Le sfide nell’istruzione globale includono la povertà e la mancanza di risorse.”
(“Challenges in global education include poverty and lack of resources.”)