What you need to know

• New understanding of peace

Peace in the 21st century is not just the absence of violence and conflicts. It is also a positive, participatory, and dynamic process that nurtures our ability to value human dignity and take care of ourselves, each other, and the planet we share. 

• Education for sustainable development 

Education systems need to effectively improve their resilience to climate-driven crises and deal with their repercussions. Fostering knowledge about the root causes of climate change, its impact, and ways to adapt and mitigate while not causing further damage to the planet is needed for individuals to make informed decisions and work towards creating a more sustainable society.

• Global citizenship education

The new text states that promoting the philosophy, principles, and components of global citizenship education is essential to preparing learners that value human dignity, cooperation and dialogue. This may encompass teaching and learning about the impact of past and current events and conflicts, exploring economic, social, and political linkages between countries and societies, and nurturing empathy and respect for the diversity of cultures and opinions.

• Gender equality and education

Women still account for almost two-thirds of all adults unable to read, and girls often cannot fully enjoy their right to participate in, complete, and benefit from education. Promoting gender equality and acknowledging its importance for realizing the right to education for all is one of the Recommendation’s guiding principles, reflecting UNESCO’s global priority.

• Education in the digital era

In an age where information is abundant, diverse, and easily accessible, media and information literacy, and digital skills are tools educators and learners need to navigate the world. The Recommendation underscores the challenges of misinformation and hate speech, as well as the opportunities of new technologies for teaching and learning. It highlights the importance of critical thinking, empathy, and understanding of key principles of digital security, privacy, and ethical online interactions.