Empowering Teachers: Unleashing the Potential of Skillfull Education for Lifelong Success

At the forefront of the proceedings was Ms. Jayathma Wickramanayake, the UNSG Special Envoy on Youth, who emphasized the significance of providing young people with the skills they need to thrive in today's job market and make meaningful contributions to sustainable development. Recognizing the formidable challenges posed by the pandemic and conflicts, H.E. Csaba Korosi, President of the UN General Assembly, underscored the critical importance of prioritizing and investing in education and skills training. Mr. Korosi highlighted the transformative impact of digitalization and advancements in AI on the educational landscape, stressing the need for a proactive approach to prepare the next generation for the future. He emphasized that the upcoming SDG Summit presents an excellent opportunity to reaffirm education as a fundamental human right, and that investment in teachers and trainers is essential to ensure a smooth transition for young people from school to the workforce.

In a compelling video message, Antonio Guterres, the UN Secretary-General, shed light on the pressing global education crisis and the rapidly evolving skill demands of the modern job market. He highlighted the establishment of a high-level panel on the teaching profession, which will provide invaluable recommendations. Recognizing that teachers are the backbone of education systems, he underscored the importance of empowering and equipping them with the necessary tools and support. By doing so, we can build a resilient and empowered workforce capable of meeting the challenges and opportunities of the future.

Speaking on behalf of the young generations, Vicky Aridi, Program Manager YEO 2030 initiative and GenU Young People's Action team member, advocated for holistic approaches and collaboration to ensure the development of future-proof skills for both teachers and youth. Key elements of this approach included integrating green skills, digital literacy, and soft skills, as well as prioritizing mental health support. Vicky further emphasized the importance of engaging young people as meaningful partners and leveraging education initiatives to maximize youth employment and foster a thriving economy.

Under the skilled moderation of Ms. Abby Asekun, Executive Director of 1 Million Teachers Cares, an engaging and interactive panel took center stage. The panel included representatives from the Permanent Missions of Sri Lanka and Portugal to the UN, International Labour Organization (ILO), unions, the private sector, and civil society. Together, they delved into crucial subjects, including skills development, the challenges encountered by teachers, and the pivotal role of partnerships in realizing the SDGs.

During the panel discussion, representatives from Portugal and Sri Lanka shared their insights on skills development and education reform. HE Francisco Andre, Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs and Cooperation, Portugal, emphasized the importance of digital and media literacy, along with soft skills, to enhance future employability. He highlighted inclusive approaches that prioritize social provision, gender equality, and inclusive economic growth. On the other hand, H.E. Peter Mohan Maithri Pieris, Permanent Representative of Sri Lanka to the UN, emphasized the significance of teaching STEM subjects to equip students with critical thinking and problem-solving skills. The country has implemented reforms focused on research-based learning, collaboration, and professionalizing teaching. They actively promote technical and vocational education, comprehensive teacher training programs, and partnerships with industry to provide practical experience.

The panel also featured Gilbert F. Houngbo, Director-General of the ILO, who emphasized the importance of addressing the challenges faced by teachers and professionals. In line with the UN Secretary-General, he highlighted the establishment of the High-Level Panel on the Teaching Profession, supported by ILO and UNESCO, as a powerful tool that can significantly enhance the allocation of resources and infrastructure to support teachers in their crucial role.

During the panel discussion, youth representatives from the private sector, civil society, and teachers unions highlighted the transformative power of education and the crucial role of teachers. The discussion highlighted the pressing need for collaboration, fair working conditions, and professional development opportunities to enhance the education system. Moreover, the panelists emphasized the pivotal role of partnerships, particularly with the private sector, in achieving sustainable development goals and fostering green skills education. They further underscored the significance of youth-led solutions and innovation in tackling complex problems, recognizing that empowering young people with education and skills is paramount for constructing a thriving society in our rapidly evolving world.

In his closing remarks, Eliot Minchenberg, Director of the UNESCO Liaison Office to the UN, highlighted three key points that emerged from the panel discussion. Firstly, the urgent need to upgrade the teaching profession, with UNESCO actively collaborating to provide proper training and support for teachers. Secondly, the concern over the rapid digital transformation and its impact on skills development, where UNESCO is working on initiatives to ensure access to high-quality digital education content and establishing an AI competency framework for teachers and students. Lastly, through collaboration and inclusivity, the international community is shaping a future where the teaching profession thrives, apprenticeships become transformative pathways, and education empowers generations. The UNESCO representative urged everyone to seize the moment, work together, and turn aspirations into tangible outcomes.