Doha: Education is a fundamental pillar of sustainable development worldwide, with countries and international organizations attaching great importance to developing educational curricula and expanding the academic structures of educational institutions to advance societies and keep pace with the times, while also safeguarding and promoting humanitarian values.
According to Qatar News Agency, the selection by UNESCO of the theme "Empowering Youth to Shape Education Policy" to mark the International Day of Education on January 24 embodies the role of young people as active agents in leading change and building a sustainable educational future. Despite half of the world's population being young people who face challenges such as poverty and limited educational opportunities, data from UNESCO in 2024 reveal that approximately 251 million children and young people are deprived of schooling. Moreover, 617 million children and adolescents struggle with basic literacy and arithmetic, and the number of illiterate adults has reached around 771 million, highlighting an urgent need for intensified efforts to achieve education for all.
The 2024 Global Education Monitoring Report by UNESCO shows a mere 1 percent decline in the number of out-of-school children worldwide over nearly a decade. This modest progress underscores the shortfall in educational investment, particularly in low- and middle-income countries. UNESCO has urged member states to leverage innovative financing mechanisms and encourage youth leadership in education by organizing events and workshops.
In 2025, the International Day of Education will focus on Artificial Intelligence and Education, aiming to preserve human intervention in an automated world and redefine education's role in empowering individuals to influence technology while maintaining human agency.
Education is recognized as a cornerstone for achieving sustainable development, with the international community adopting it as one of the main pillars of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development in September 2015. Goal Four of the agenda emphasizes ensuring inclusive and equitable quality education and promoting lifelong learning opportunities for all.
Article 26 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights stipulates that every individual has a fundamental right to education, including access to free and compulsory primary education. The United Nations and UNESCO strive to guarantee this right by eradicating poverty and emphasizing education as a key development element.
Over the past five years, International Day of Education events have focused on themes such as post-COVID-19 recovery, transforming education, promoting peace through education, and integrating AI while preserving human agency.
In Qatar, the Ministry of Education and Higher Education marks the International Day of Education annually, with activities aimed at strengthening students' awareness of social responsibility in education. Assistant Undersecretary for Educational Affairs Maha Zayed Qaqaa Al Ruwaili highlighted that Qatar National Vision 2030 guides state policies, emphasizing the development of educated individuals through an education system that matches leading global systems.
Al Ruwaili detailed Qatar's integrated strategy, focusing on curriculum development, improving educational outcomes, and promoting innovation and digital transformation. Efforts include expanding early childhood education, accrediting specialized kindergarten teachers, and equipping schools to global standards for students with disabilities.
Qatar's education system has produced outstanding students who excel in regional and international competitions. The country has improved in international assessments such as PIRLS, PISA, and TIMSS, ranking highly in the Arab and Gulf regions.
Topics related to artificial intelligence are being incorporated into earlier stages of education, enhancing logical thinking skills and awareness of smart technology use. This is being implemented in cooperation with the Ministry of Communications and Information Technology and the National Cybersecurity Agency.
Higher education in Qatar, particularly at Qatar University, supports human development by encouraging critical scientific thinking and scholarly dialogue. Professor Badrane Benlahcene emphasized the strong institutional structure and diversity of programs that support scholarships, modern specializations, and international partnerships.
Qatar's education efforts are evident globally, with the Education Above All organization providing programs to over 17.2 million children and young people in more than 65 countries. The foundation's initiatives target out-of-school children through the construction of educational facilities, scholarships, and innovative resources. Partnerships with UNICEF in various countries further highlight Qatar's commitment to ensuring quality education for all.