Earlier this week, on 5 October, many countries and organizations around the world observed World Teachers’ Day (WTD). Proclaimed by UNESCO in 1994, WTD is an opportunity to celebrate the teaching profession, highlight the vital, yet often unseen, contributions made by teachers, promote awareness and understanding about the various challenges and issues related to teaching, and encourage the appreciation of and respect for teachers. The initiative for WTD dates back to 5 October 1966, when UNESCO and the ILO adopted a special recommendation on the Status of Teachers. Importantly, the recommendation established international standards and guidelines related to skills development, employment, and working conditions. Furthermore, the recommendation was an important milestone since it represented the first time teachers’ rights and responsibilities were globally defined and asserted.

According to UNESCO, education is a fundamental human right and is essential for the exercise of all other human rights. Education also promotes individual freedom and empowerment, and is a critical factor for socio-economic growth and sustainable development. In this context, the importance of teachers is readily apparent. Through providing vital instruction and transmitting knowledge to children, adolescents, and young adults (among others), teachers are a means of implementing various national education goals and helping to promote the realization of fundamental human rights. Furthermore, teachers are vital in helping to achieve inclusive socio-economic growth and development. Essentially, without teachers, no socio-economic well-being can occur. Teachers are the change agents providing the impetus for the emergence of educated communities.

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