International Education Day, celebrated annually on January 24, is a global initiative led by the United Nations (UN) to emphasize the transformative role of education in improving peace, equality, and sustainable development. Established in 2018 by a resolution of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA), the day highlights the importance of inclusive and equitable education as a fundamental human right.

International Education Day stems from SDG 4 of the 2015 Sustainable Development Goals, which emphasizes inclusive and equitable quality education for all. Recognizing education’s vital role in development, the UN established this day to mobilize global action towards achieving these goals.

International Education Day also serves as a call to action for addressing global educational inequalities, including the 244 million children and youth who are out of school globally and the 771 million adults who remain illiterate. It highlights the pressing need to bridge the educational divide and eliminate systemic barriers to learning.

In Afghanistan, the celebration of International Education Day takes on profound significance. The country faces immense educational challenges, particularly after the Taliban’s return to power in 2021, which has resulted in devastating setbacks for women’s and girls’ education. This day offers an opportunity to reflect on the struggles faced by Afghan students, celebrate resilience, and renew commitments to ensuring that education becomes a universal right in the country.

International Day of Education 2025 Theme

The theme for International Day of Education 2025 is “AI and Education: Preserving Human Agency in an Automated World.” This theme encourages reflection on how education can empower individuals and communities to navigate, understand, and influence technological advancements, particularly in the era of artificial intelligence (AI).

Educational Landscape in Afghanistan

Afghanistan has witnessed both progress and setbacks in its education system. Over the last two decades, international organizations and donor countries have supported Afghanistan’s educational development, increasing school enrollments and improving access. However, the return of the Taliban in 2021 marked a reversal of these gains, particularly for women and girls.
Currently, Afghanistan has one of the highest rates of educational exclusion worldwide. According to UNESCO, over 1.4 million Afghan girls have been denied access to secondary education since 2021. The prohibition on women attending universities and the closure of girls’ high schools further compound the crisis.

Barriers to education access in Afghanistan are highlighted as follows:

• Political and Policy Restrictions: Taliban policies currently restrict female education beyond the sixth grade.
• Security Concerns: Ongoing conflict and instability have disrupted school operations in many regions.
• Economic Constraints: Poverty and child labor force families to prioritize survival over education
• Cultural Norms: In conservative rural areas, cultural restrictions limit girls’ access to education.

The restrictions on education for women and girls perpetuate cycles of poverty, inequality, and limited participation in public life. They also hinder Afghanistan’s potential to achieve its developmental goals.

Role of International Organizations in Supporting Education

International organizations play an essential role in supporting education worldwide by providing funding, technical assistance, policy guidance, and facilitating international cooperation. Organizations such as the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) focus on promoting education for all, enhancing educational quality, and fostering cultural understanding. UNESCO’s Global Education Coalition, for instance, is a platform for multistakeholder cooperation aimed at transforming education to achieve Sustainable Development Goal 4.

But what about Afghanistan? Were the International Organizations’ efforts effective in Afghan children’s education? In Afghanistan, international organizations have made concerted efforts to support children’s education, especially amid ongoing conflicts and political instability. The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) has been instrumental in enrolling and retaining the most vulnerable children, including out-of-school children and girls. UNICEF supports the formal school system and the government’s Community-Based Education (CBE) program, establishing schools and learning centers within accessible distances for children.

Despite these efforts, the effectiveness of international organizations in improving Afghan children’s education has faced significant challenges. According to UNICEF, about 3.7 million children are out of school in Afghanistan – 60% of them are girls. Due to the Taliban’s restrictive policies, Afghanistan remains the only country where girls are prohibited from attending secondary school.

Additionally, funding cuts have further threatened aid programs, excessively affecting women and girls. For example, according to the Associated Press, the Norwegian Refugee Council’s support fell from 772,484 individuals in 2022 to 491,435 in 2023 and 216,501 in 2024 due to reduced funding.

UNESCO’s Efforts

UNESCO has taken a strong stance in advocating for Afghan girls’ and women’s educational rights. By dedicating International Education Day 2023 to them, UNESCO highlighted the urgent need for global solidarity. The organization is working to ensure that community-based learning programs continue to operate despite restrictions.

To address current challenges, UNESCO developed the Afghanistan Education Sector Support Plan (AESSP) 2024-25, aligned with the UN Strategic Framework for Afghanistan.

Key initiatives include:

• Community-based training: Livelihood and vocational skills programs to promote economic empowerment and resilience.
• Teacher development: Enhancing education quality through professional training and improved student outcomes.
• Data-driven programming: Strengthening education financing and coordination using evidence-based strategies.

UNICEF Initiatives

UNICEF operates Community-Based Education (CBE) programs that provide schooling opportunities for children in remote areas. These initiatives include female educators and a focus on keeping girls in primary education.

International Advocacy and Funding

Governments and NGOs globally have urged the Taliban to reverse restrictions on education. Financial support from donor nations has kept many schools operational, ensuring that some progress is preserved.

In conclusion, while international organizations have been proactive in supporting education in Afghanistan, their efforts have been significantly affected by restrictive local policies and funding constraints, limiting the overall effectiveness of their initiatives.

Sadly, the world still has no solutions against Taliban racism to save the future of a million Afghan girls and tomorrow’s mothers.

What to Do for Afghans?

Urgent steps needed for restoring educational rights in Afghanistan:

• International Advocacy: The global community must increase diplomatic pressure on the Taliban to lift restrictions on female education.
• Support for Alternative Education Models: Expanding community-based education programs to bridge the gap.
• Increased Funding: More financial resources are needed to sustain education initiatives, especially in rural areas.
• Empowering Female Educators: Training and employing female teachers is important for addressing the cultural barriers.

Conclusion

International Education Day serves as a critical reminder of the transformative power of education globally and the urgency of addressing Afghanistan’s educational crisis. While the challenges are immense, the global community’s collective efforts can help restore educational opportunities for millions of Afghan children, ensuring a brighter future for the nation.

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