International Day of Education!
Today we join hands with millions of students, teachers and many others in commemorating the International Day of Education!
As we celebrate the right to education established in article 26 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, we are also reminded of the critical role of ethics education in contributing to global citizenship and building peaceful and inclusive societies.
Ethics education that promotes intercultural and interfaith learning, dialogue and collaboration affirms the importance of nurturing ethical values and children’s spiritual development.
This unique form of education helps children in strengthening their identity and critical thinking, fostering their ability to appreciate and collaborate with people of other cultures, religions and beliefs.
Ethics education is built around the common values of solidarity and human fraternity, which empower children to embrace their individual and collective responsibilities in an interconnected world.
Today, we invite ministries of education and policy-makers to prioritize the investment in education programs and pedagogical approaches that cultivate ethical values as well as intercultural and interfaith learning, dialogue and collaboration. It is high time to advance the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, particularly Goal 4.7 which includes “ensuring education for the promotion of a culture of peace and non-violence, global citizenship and appreciation of cultural diversity.”
We also invite teachers, educators, faith communities, and all those working with children to renew their commitment to integrating ethics education in their programs with children, as a contribution to building a better world for and with children.
In peace,
The partners of the Ethics Education Fellowship Program
