Reframing the right to education in a rapidly evolving world: Insights from UNESCO's Formal Dialogue

The dialogue brought to light a complex reality. While 62% of countries have legally enshrined the right to education, significant challenges persist. UNESCO's Assistant Director-General for Education, Stefania Giannini, underscored the “need to adapt and update” our international frameworks on education to address contemporary challenges such as digital transformation, climate change and the persistent and emerging challenges faced by vulnerable groups.

Deputy UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, Nada Al-Nashif, advocated for a reimagined approach to education, emphasizing “education and lifelong learning as a global public good” that fosters freedom, curiosity, and critical thinking.

Highlighting practical steps towards this vision, Mongolia’s Education and Science Minister Enkh-Amgalan Luvsantseren shared insights into his country’s recent landmark education reforms, stating “we are putting this into practice by ensuring the right to education through our deeds, not just words.” These reforms exemplify a commitment to inclusive, quality and lifelong learning opportunities for all.

Portugal’s Education Minister João Costa stressed the importance of an inclusive education system, arguing “if an education system is not inclusive, it is not a quality education system” and highlighted the need to promote democratic values through education in the face of populism, racism and radicalism.

The two interactive discussions, moderated by UNESCO’s Director for the Division for Policies and Lifelong Learning Systems, Borhene Chakroun, and the UN Special Rapporteur on the right to education, Farida Shaheed, invited all participants to engage in a global reflection, gathering their inputs and comments on the scope of the evolving right to education framework.                                                                    

The dialogue concluded with a general agreement: to begin the process of expanding the international normative framework on education, ensuring legal underpinnings align with the Transforming Education Summit's vision. This includes enhancing the state obligations on education quality, equity and inclusion, and advancing towards universal access to free education.

This gathering marked a pivotal step in redefining the right to education and aligning it with the needs of our rapidly changing world.

• More about the event
• More on UNESCO’s initiative on the evolving right to education