Learning for lasting peace: Celebrate International Day of Education

Before you can explore the different ways to celebrate the International Day of Education, it’s important to learn a bit about its history and importance. Let’s take a look. 

A brief history of International Day of Education 

In December 2018, the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA), which is one of the six principal organs of the United Nations (UN), declared 24th January as the International Day of Education. This day is a reminder to humanity how important education is for our world. It's a global call to action that encourages people around the world to recognise how education helps establish a knowledgeable, inclusive, and peaceful society.  

International Day of Education 2025 theme 

Each year, this day highlights a different theme. The theme for 2025 is "Learning for Lasting Peace." It reinforces the commitment and reminds us how education can help in building stable communities and empower individuals. It emphasises that when people are educated, they have the tools to contribute positively to society, which can lead to peace and understanding among different social and cultural groups. 

Importance of International Day of Education 

Education is the only tool that will help you understand different points of view and help you acquire the skills and knowledge you need to connect with people from diverse cultures and various backgrounds. Learning a new language will take you one step further and allow you to communicate directly with people from different countries and cultures. The theme for the International Day of Education 2025 highlights how education can change lives. By celebrating this day, your support for everyone's right to education can also help inspire others to appreciate and raise awareness of the value of lifelong learning. 

Now that you understand the role of education in building connections and promoting peace, let’s see how learning a new language helps you take that initiative to another level. 

1. Connect with people from all walks of life 

Learning a new language can help you better understand other cultures. It is so much more than ordering food or negotiating a deal in another language— it is a chance for you to not just communicate but connect with others. 

2. Boost your academic and professional prospects 

In today’s interconnected world, being multilingual can be your biggest advantage, especially because companies worldwide are actively searching for employees who can communicate with international clients. 

3. Improve your cognitive abilities 

It has been proven time and again that learning a new language sharpens your mind. It will help you improve your memory retention and problem-solving skills. Learning a new language will also help you become better at multitasking. 

4. Make lifelong friends from around the world 

As an international student, learning a language abroad can help you bond with classmates and build meaningful connections. A shared learning experience can lead to lifelong friendships or even future professional opportunities. 

There are a lot of activities you can participate in to celebrate this global day dedicated to education. Here are a few examples: 

• Form a group with fellow students to celebrate this day by sharing stories, teaching each other phrases from your native languages, and cooking traditional dishes. 
• Watch movies, listen to podcasts, or read books in the language you're learning to improve fluency and gain cultural insights. 
• Use this day to give back. Volunteer to teach your native language or help non-native speakers improve their language skills. 
• Raise awareness on social media about the importance of education for peace. You can even share facts or your own journey of learning a new language. 

So, on this International Day of Education, take a moment to think about how education has and continues to change lives and bring people together. This year's theme, "Learning for Lasting Peace," is a reminder for all of us that learning is not just about books and classrooms. It is also about creating a better and more peaceful world for everyone.