Nelson Mandela once said, “Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world.” On this seventh International Day of Education, we focus on the theme: “AI and Education: Preserving Human Agency in a World of Automation.”
The 2025 International Day of Education presents a crucial opportunity to examine the evolving relationship between technology, particularly Artificial Intelligence (AI), and the role of human agency in shaping the future of education. As AI continues to revolutionize various fields, its impact on education is both significant and complex, offering transformative opportunities while posing critical challenges. This year’s theme highlights the importance of fostering a future that prioritizes human creativity, critical thinking, and inclusivity alongside technological innovation. In this article, we will explore the history, theme, challenges and future of education.
History Of International Day Of Education:
The United Nations General Assembly established the International Day of Education on January 24th in 2018 to highlight the importance of education in promoting peace, prosperity, and sustainable development worldwide.
The day is aimed at highlighting the vital role that education plays in achieving the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly Goal 4, which seeks to “ensure inclusive and equitable quality education and promote lifelong learning opportunities for all.” This global observance not only underscores the need for quality education but also calls attention to the barriers that prevent many from accessing it, such as poverty, discrimination, and conflict.
Each year, the International Day of Education has a different theme. The themes often focus on urgent educational challenges, such as ensuring education for all, addressing inequalities, improving education in emergencies, and investing in education as a means for social and economic development. For instance, the 2023 theme was “Education for Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions,” which linked education to the broader goals of justice, social inclusion, and peace.
The day is an opportunity for governments, educators, students, and organizations to reflect on progress made in education and to advocate for further improvements. Activities include discussions, workshops, and campaigns to raise awareness about the transformative power of education and to celebrate the achievements in this field.
By commemorating the International Day of Education, the global community reaffirms its commitment to creating a world where everyone, regardless of their background or circumstances, has access to the education they need to thrive.
Theme of International Day Of Education 2025:
The International Day of Education 2025 is centered on the theme: “AI and Education: Preserving Human Agency in an Automated World.” This theme invites us to reflect on the role of education in empowering individuals and communities to adapt to, understand, and influence advancements in artificial intelligence (AI). As AI becomes more sophisticated, the line between human decision-making and machine-driven actions is increasingly blurred. This prompts critical discussions about safeguarding and enhancing human agency in a rapidly evolving technological landscape.
To address these concerns, UNESCO has organized several events on January 24, 2025, aimed at fostering dialogue and collaboration. A Global Event in Paris at UNESCO Headquarters will examine the impact of AI on education and explore strategies to maintain human agency in an automated world. In New York, the Event at the Trusteeship Chamber, UNHQ, will focus on both the challenges and opportunities AI presents in education.
The UNESCO Institute for Lifelong Learning will host a webinar titled “Lifelong Learning in the Age of AI.” These events collectively aim to highlight the importance of ethical considerations in the integration of AI within education systems. By encouraging global conversations, they emphasize the need to create a future where AI supports human creativity, critical thinking, and inclusivity.
Educational Challenges Across The World:
1. Lack of Access to Education– Many children, especially in rural or conflict-affected areas, do not have access to schools or learning resources. According to UNESCO, over 244 million children and youth worldwide were out of school in 2023. Sub-Saharan Africa has the highest number, with about 98 million children lacking access to education. In rural Afghanistan, many villages lack schools within walking distance, leaving children without basic education. Similarly, in remote areas of India, students must travel long distances or rely on inadequate informal schooling.
2. Cost of Education– High tuition fees, uniforms, and supplies make education unaffordable for many families. The World Bank reports that in low-income countries, families often spend up to 40% of their income on education-related expenses like uniforms, books, and transport. In countries like Nigeria, even public schools are not entirely free, forcing parents to pay additional fees for uniforms and school materials. In some Latin American nations, such as Honduras, families struggle to cover costs, pushing many children into child labor instead of school.
3. Gender Inequality– Girls in some regions face barriers to education due to cultural norms, early marriages, or safety concerns. UNESCO estimates that 129 million girls globally are out of school, with over 60% of illiterate youth being female. In sub-Saharan Africa, girls are 2.5 times more likely to drop out of school than boys. In regions like South Asia, early marriages and cultural norms often prevent girls from attending secondary school. As in Pakistan’s rural areas, only about 50% of girls complete primary education due to societal pressures and safety concerns.
4. Teacher Shortages and Outdated Systems– Many countries struggle with a shortage of trained teachers, leading to overcrowded classrooms and poor learning outcomes. Outdated curriculums often neglect essential skills like digital literacy and critical thinking needed in today’s job market. This gap leaves students underprepared for future challenges, limiting both their academic growth and career opportunities.
5. Digital Divide and Language Barriers– Limited access to technology and the internet, along with language barriers, creates significant challenges for students. In many rural and low-income areas, students lack the devices or internet connection necessary for online learning. This digital divide leaves them unable to access educational resources, online classes, or research opportunities.
At the same time, many children are taught in languages they don’t speak at home, which makes learning even harder. For example, in countries like Kenya or Mexico, students may speak local languages at home but are taught in national languages like English or Spanish, which they don’t fully understand. This combination of technological and language gaps limits students’ ability to engage with the material, resulting in lower academic performance and missed opportunities.
6. Conflict and Displacement– War and displacement disrupt education for millions of children. The UNHCR reports that 42 million children are displaced due to conflict or climate crises, with 50% of refugee children not enrolled in school. In war-torn Syria, schools have been destroyed, forcing millions of children into informal education systems or no schooling at all. Similarly, in regions like South Sudan, ongoing conflict has disrupted education for an entire generation, with over 70% of children out of school.
7. Poor Infrastructure and Quality of Education– In many areas, poor school infrastructure—such as inadequate buildings, lack of electricity, or unsafe drinking water—directly impacts the learning environment. Combined with inconsistent teaching quality and a lack of resources, this creates significant barriers to effective education. Students in such environments often struggle to engage with lessons and perform well, leading to poor academic outcomes and missed opportunities for growth.
Balancing AI with Human Agency
Despite its potential, the rise of AI raises important questions about maintaining human agency in education. Humans create AI systems, and while powerful, these tools must be guided by ethical principles and human values. Thus, education fields must prioritize:
Critical Thinking: As AI handles repetitive tasks, human creativity and problem-solving skills become essential. Schools must foster these abilities in students.
Ethics in AI: Incorporating AI ethics into curricula ensures students understand the implications of AI in society and learn to develop it responsibly.
Inclusive Education: AI systems can perpetuate biases if not designed thoughtfully. Human oversight is critical to ensure equity in AI-driven learning environments.
The Path Forward
On this International Day of Education, stakeholders must ensure AI enhances education while preserving human agency. Policymakers, educators, technologists, and students must collaborate to create frameworks that integrate AI ethically and inclusively. This requires investment in teacher training, equitable access to AI tools, and policies that address data privacy and algorithmic transparency.
Ways To Make A Difference This International Day Of Education:
Below are many impactful ways to participate in and make a difference on International Day of Education:
- Support Educational Charities or NGOs.
- Raise awareness about the importance of Education.
- Promote digital literacy by providing digital tools or training for people.
- Host a local event, such as a discussion panel or educational workshop.
- Volunteer your time or skills to help programs that support education.
- Dedicate an hour daily to read books or articles and learn new skills online.
- Stand up for education policies that ensure all students, from diverse backgrounds are provided education.
The International Day of Education 2025 highlights the role of education in shaping a future where AI supports, rather than replaces, human creativity and agency. It reminds us that while technology is advancing rapidly, education must stay focused on empowering people, fostering critical thinking, and promoting inclusivity. This day is a call to work together to ensure that AI enhances learning and helps build a better, more equitable world, while recognizing and preserving the essential role of human creativity, effort, and decision-making in education.
