UNESCO-IBE marks World Children's Day

World Children's Day is a poignant reminder of the rights and aspirations of the youngest members of our global community. At the heart of this celebration lies the fundamental right to education, a cornerstone that empowers children to dream, learn, and shape their destinies. It’s they who will, when their time comes, shape the future of us all. 

The right to education, enshrined in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, and reinforced in many other human rights instruments,  recognises every child's entitlement to quality education. Inextricably linked to this right is the pivotal role of curriculum – the vision that guides the educational journey and moulds the minds of the future. UNESCO-IBE, UNESCO’s global focal point and platform for knowledge, dialogue, and cooperation on curriculum, bases its action on the understanding that curriculum plays a central role in translating this entitlement into a transformative and empowering experience.  

Jean Piaget, the leading Swiss psychologist and pedagogue, and the Director of the IBE from 1929-1968, recognised the importance of curriculum in shaping a child-centred education.  His theory of cognitive development has shaped modern education approaches.

Since this historic realisation, IBE has committed to the vision of a child-centred curriculum that is systemic, holistic, participative, inclusive, and endogenous. It goes beyond academic excellence to encompass physical health, emotional well-being, and social skills. By fostering a sense of community and instilling values such as empathy and tolerance, the curriculum becomes a powerful instrument in shaping responsible and compassionate global citizens.

In celebrating World Children's Day, we acknowledge the profound impact of a comprehensive and inclusive curriculum. It is the key that unlocks doors to knowledge, ignites curiosity, and cultivates a sense of understanding and empathy. A curriculum that embraces diversity and promotes inclusivity ensures that every child, regardless of background or circumstance, has equal access to educational opportunities.