01/10/2007

This week, ALISON recognises the invaluable contribution that teachers of all kinds make to our world today. We salute their dedication and commitment to people and learning wherever they are.

World Teachers’ Day (WTD) provides the opportunity to draw public attention to the important role of teachers within society. This year, the focus is teachers’ working conditions: better working conditions for teachers mean better learning conditions for learners.

On the occasion of WTD 2007, read the Joint Message issued by: Koïchiro Matsuura, Director-General UNESCO; Juan Somavia, Director-General ILO, Kemal Derviş, Administrator UNDP; Ann M. Veneman, Executive Director UNICEF; and, Thulas Nxesi, President - Education International.

Background to World Teachers’ Day

World Teachers' Day, held annually on 5 October since 1994, commemorates teachers’ organisations worldwide. Its aim is to mobilise support for teachers and to ensure that the needs of future generations will continue to be met by teachers.

According to UNESCO, World Teachers' Day represents a significant token of the awareness, understanding and appreciation displayed for the vital contribution that teachers make to education and development.

Education International (EI) (the global union federation that represents education professionals worldwide) strongly believes that World Teachers' Day should be internationally recognized and celebrated around the world. EI also believes that the principles of the 1966 and 1997 Recommendations should be considered for implementation in all nations.

Over 100 countries observe World Teachers' Day. The efforts of Education International and its 390 member organisations have contributed to this widely spread recognition. Every year, EI launches a public awareness campaign to highlight the contributions of the teaching profession.