Navigating new challenges in the

Drawing on an extensive consultative process, the Initiative has leveraged UNESCO’s normative work, a series of inter-governmental conferences, high-level political events and expert workshops to strengthen the lifelong learning dimension, from a rights-based perspective.

As part of the consultative efforts, the 4th Geneva Human Rights Dialogue was held from June 18 to 19, 2024, organized by the Swiss Commission for UNESCO in collaboration with UNESCO, the University of Geneva, the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights, and the UN Special Rapporteur on the Right to Education. The report of this dialogue is now available.

Bringing together experts, policy-makers, and advocates, the dialogue focused on emerging issues like “new” forms of privatization, the impact of digitalization, and learning in crisis situations — all of which profoundly impact the right to education. This event provided a crucial opportunity to rethink education’s role in promoting social justice and advancing human rights.

Kicking off the discussion, Ana Luiza Thompson-Flores, Director of UNESCO’s Liaison Office in Geneva, emphasized the urgency of addressing inequalities in education. “This pivotal event brings together leading thinkers dedicated to advancing the right to education. In a world still recovering from the disruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic and facing new global challenges, it is crucial that we dismantle the barriers that prevent access to quality education for all”, she stressed.