UNESCO-IBE Director a.i.

Mr. Svein Oestveitt is a man of education.  Starting his career as a secondary school teacher in his native Norway, he spent the next 30 years serving UNESCO’s  Education Sector in various capacities, including work on policy and planning, skills training for youth, teacher training, distance education, and literacy and non-formal education.

Mr. Oesttveit held the position of the Director of the Education Executive Office and, since 2021, has served as the Chair of the UNESCO-IBE Council.  He was nominated Director a.i. of the UNESCO International Bureau of Education in October 2023 for a period of six months. 

Svein Oesttveit fervently believes education is the key to sustainable development, human fulfillment, and meaningful economic growth. He advocates for investment in quality education systems that unlock human potential and contribute to constructing strong and peaceful societies. 

Mr. Oesttveit holds a Master’s degree in English literature and civilization from the University of Oslo that he complemented with studies in History, Sociology, and Pedagogy.