Expo 2020 Dubai will host the third United Nations’ International Day of Education on January 24, 2021, kick-starting a series of events designed to position education as humanity’s greatest renewable resource.
Hosted in partnership with United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO), and its partners in the UAE, the day will reaffirm education as a fundamental human right and celebrate the multiple ways in which education can preserve the planet, build shared prosperity and foster peace, state news agency WAM reported.
The announcement was made at the UNESCO headquarters in Paris during the official commemoration of the second International Day of Education.
Underlining one of Expo 2020’s core missions – to inspire, empower and engage youth – the theme of education will be incorporated throughout the six months of Expo 2020 Dubai, which starts in October.
Hind Alowais, vice president – International Organisations and Non-Official Participants, Expo 2020 Dubai, said: “Today’s discussion recognises education is our most important renewable resource. It is the essence of human capital, and without quality education and lifelong learning for everyone, we will not succeed in addressing the challenges facing our world.
“The UAE believes investing in people’s welfare, knowledge and capabilities produces the greatest dividends for individuals, families and communities as a whole. We hope to leverage Expo 2020 as a platform for knowledge-sharing and look forward to celebrating next year’s International Day of Education at Expo 2020 Dubai with UNESCO and other partners, including the Centre for Research and Interdisciplinarity in Paris.”
Stefania Giannini, assistant director-general for Education, UNESCO, added: “UNESCO is delighted to partner with Expo 2020 Dubai to celebrate International Education Day… We look forward to this formidable platform for showcasing the power of education and all the talent, creativity and energy it can unleash to promote humanity’s common good and protect our shared planet.”
The events will build on Expo 2020’s commitment to creating a sustainable and enduring legacy, with education pivotal to achieving that goal. Through initiatives such as Expo Live and the Global Best Practice Programme, Expo 2020 is already supporting a number of projects around the world that are improving access to quality education.
Expo Live, Expo 2020’s global innovation and partnership programme, has an allocated $100 million to back projects with creative solutions that help to improve people’s lives or preserve the planet, or both.
The biggest event ever held in the Arab World, Expo 2020 also has the potential to inspire one million school students through the Expo School Programme, which is working with educators across the UAE to facilitate their access to the event.
With more than 200 participants, including 192 countries, Expo 2020 expects to record 25 million visits from October 20 to April 10, 2021.
© Arabian Business
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