The International Day of Education is a global occasion to renew commitment to the right to education as a cornerstone of human and social development and a shared responsibility that requires coordinated efforts between educational institutions and the wider community. The United Nations General Assembly proclaimed January 24 as International Day of Education on December 3, 2018 in celebration of the role of education for peace and development.
Youth make up more than half of the global population and are a powerful engine for innovation, social change and sustainable development. Yet many still face persistent barriers that hold them back from shaping the future they want — from poverty and inequality to limited access to quality education and decent work. Because their lives and opportunities are directly shaped by education, young people must be active partners in reimagining how learning works.
Qatar celebrated the occasion to raise awareness of the importance of education. This year’s celebrations, held under the theme, “The power of youth in co-creating education,” highlighted Qatar’s commitment to empowering the next generation as the primary drivers of sustainable development and national progress. The International Day of Education in Qatar focuses beyond learning alone to include the Arabic language, national identity, culture, ethics, and innovation. Qatar Foundation (QF) marked the International Day of Education with a two-day community celebration, highlighting immersive learning, educational innovation, and global dialogue on multilingualism, with a strong focus on the Arabic language and cultural identity.
The celebrations by Ministry of Education and Higher Education (MoEHE) extend far beyond its walls, involving a week-long series of activities across all public schools in Qatar. The programme includes an interactive tech exhibition, showcasing AI-driven solutions, alongside specialised workshops designed to stimulate critical thinking and creativity. Students are also participating in field expeditions to the National Command Centre and Msheireb Properties’ Smart City to connect classroom theory with real-world technological applications.
