NEW DELHI: International Education Day is celebrated annually on January 24 to emphasize the importance of education in fostering peace and sustainable development.
This year marks the seventh celebration, with the theme ‘AI and education: preserving human agency in the world of automation.’
Adopted by the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) on December 3, 2018, the day was first celebrated on January 24, 2019. Since then, 59 member countries have observed it annually, reinforcing global commitment to education.
The 2025 theme sheds light on the transformative impact of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and automation on education and the workforce.
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It underscores the need to harness AI’s potential while preserving the critical human dimensions of teaching, learning, and emotional intelligence.
Audrey Azoulay, UNESCO Director-General, stated, “AI offers major opportunities for education, provided that its deployment in schools is guided by clear ethical principles. To reach its full potential, this technology must complement the human and social dimensions of learning, rather than replace them.”
UNESCO has organized conferences in Paris and New York, along with a webinar, to encourage global dialogue on AI’s integration into education systems.
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Meanwhile, India celebrates its National Education Day on November 11 to honor Maulana Abul Kalam Azad, the country’s first Education Minister, who championed women’s education.
