International Day of Education 2025: AI and Education: Preserving human agency in a world of automation.
‘Education is the most powerful weapon which we can use to change the world’ – Nelson Mandela during an address at the Planetarium, Johannesburg, South Africa, July 16, 2003
International Day of Education is an annual international observance held on January 24 and January 24, is held on January 24, is held on January 24, and is dedicated to Education. On December 3, 2018, the United Nations General Assembly adopted a resolution proclaiming January 24 as International Day of Education, in celebration of the role of education for bringing global peace and sustainable development.
The theme for this year is AI and Education: Preserving human agency in a world of automation, the 2025 International Day of Education inspires reflections on the power of education to equip individuals and communities to navigate, understand and influence technological advancement. The late Nelson Mandela, the first black President of South Africa, was a champion of Education and a global leader.
Leadership is critical for quality education, ranking as the second most significant element impacting learning outcomes. Effective leadership happens at many levels, including schools and the government. As computer and AI-powered systems get more sophisticated, the lines between human purpose and machine-driven action frequently blur, presenting fundamental challenges about retaining, redefining, and, ideally, elevating human agency in an era of technological acceleration. Thus, citizens of the globe should always be advised to utilize these advancements with caution, and to better the world. Social media has been instrumental in connecting people, sharing platforms such as Twitter, Facebook, Instagram and Tiktok has made the world a more interconnected place. However, people mustn't limit their usage but educate themselves and share knowledge worldwide.
This day is used to emphasize the significance of inclusive and equitable quality education and lifelong learning opportunities for all, as expressed in the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal: 4
Every year, the day is designated as a special subject to highlight various aspects of education and its role in fostering resilient societies and sustainable futures. Governments, educational institutions, and non-governmental organizations (NGOs) worldwide are expected to hold talks, conferences, and events to raise awareness and encourage action in favor of education.
International education is vital because it promotes comprehension, cooperation, and global progress.
- Promotes Global Understanding and Peace
Education bridges cultural and linguistic gaps, helping individuals from diverse backgrounds understand and respect one another. This is more pronounced in academia, where understanding theories and philosophies is global in various contexts. For instance, the Marxist school of thought as taught in Economics, Politics and Sociology is widely understood across the globe. It plays a crucial role in promoting peace by addressing the root causes of conflict, such as ignorance and inequality. Furthermore, academic understanding offers the luxury of fostering patience and understanding of diverging views. Educations sparks and stretches one’s world view.
- Foster Economic Development
Education equips individuals with skills and knowledge that drive innovation, productivity, and economic growth. Testament to the late former President Nelson Rholihlahla Mandela’s quote on Education, the most innovation we have seen has been inspired through education. The first heart transplant operated in Groote Schuur Hospital in Cape Town by Dr Christiaan Barnard was a result of education. [1]
With such innovation, the host country gets to attract investors and market for the nation.
Globally educated people are better prepared to compete in and contribute to an interconnected world economy. The world has become interconnected where there is an abundance of exchange schooling programs where students get to experience other parts of the world through education.
- Reduces Inequality
Access to quality education helps break the cycle of poverty by providing opportunities for better livelihoods. It is proven that education posits one in a better position to compete for better employment opportunities and establish better livelihoods. Especially in the previously disadvantaged racial groups, particularly black people. Education has saved many families through the education of one or more family members. International education initiatives focus on reaching marginalized groups and promoting equality and inclusion. In Africa, we have many young academics who have changed the trajectory of their families through attaining post-graduate education.
- Encourages Problem-Solving and Innovation
Education empowers people to tackle global challenges like climate change, public health crises, and technological advancements. We have seen young people advancing change internationally, the young Malala Yousazai– who is a Nobel Peace Prize recipient and activist, has spoken out about the impact of climate change on girls’ education. [2]
- Builds International Cooperation
Educational exchange programs and collaborations strengthen diplomatic and cultural ties between nations. It is through education, that states like the Palestine have managed to get support from countries like South Africa as they are oppressed by Apartheid Israel. It is through history that people across the global are in support of the cease fire and freedom of Palestinenian people under the brutal government of Israel. It promotes mutual understanding, which is essential for addressing global challenges collectively.
In essence, international education is not just about individual success; it’s about creating a more connected, equitable, and sustainable world for all. Therefore, as much as we should utilize technological advancements such as Al, we must be educated in a manner that propels peace, security, and development.
Yolokazi Mfuto is a communications strategist at the DDP and writes in her personal capacity.
References
[1] https://health.uct.ac.za/cardiothoracic-surgery/historical/first-human-heart-transplant
[2] https://malala.org/newsroom/malala-fund-publishes-report-on-climate-change-and-girls-education
