World Teachers’ Day 2020

Since 1994, World Teachers’ Day has been celebrated annually on October 5th. This celebration draws attention to the contributions of teachers in educating their communities and developing a more inclusive and sustainable society.

In 2020, World Teachers’ Day will focus on the theme “Teachers: Leading in crisis, reimagining the future”. The day provides the occasion to celebrate the teaching profession worldwide, take stock of achievements, and draw attention to the voices of teachers, who are at the heart of efforts to attain the global education target of leaving no one behind.

The COVID-19 pandemic has significantly added to the challenges faced by already over-extended education systems throughout the world. It is no exaggeration to say that the world is at a crossroads and, now more than ever, we must work with teachers to protect the right to education and guide it into the unfolding landscape brought about by the pandemic.

UNESCO’s World Teachers’ Day activities

This year, in view of the current situation, the celebrations will take place online. As well as the WTD Opening Ceremony and UNESCO-Hamdan Prize Awards Ceremony on 5 October, and the Closing Ceremony on 12 October, there will be a series of national, regional and global events throughout the week.

UNESCO will host a webinar on the Industry Experience of TVET Teachers in Times of Crisis on 8 October at 14:00-15:30 (CET). This webinar is jointly organized by OECD and UNESCO in collaboration with World Bank, ETF and ILO. It will highlight the status, challenges and feasible solutions for TVET teachers and teaching in times of crisis from the perspectives of various stakeholders. Register here.

More information and the detailed programme can be accessed here