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Drawing on an extensive consultative process, the Initiative has leveraged UNESCO’s normative work, a series of inter-governmental conferences, high-level political events and expert workshops to strengthen the lifelong learning dimension, from a rights-based perspective.

As part of the consultative efforts, the 4th was held from June 18 to 19, 2024, organized by the Swiss Commission for UNESCO in collaboration with UNESCO, the University of Geneva, the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights, and the UN Special Rapporteur on the Right to Education. The report of this dialogue is now available.

Bringing together experts, policy-makers, and advocates, the dialogue focused on emerging issues like “new” forms of privatization, the impact of digitalization, and learning in crisis situations — all of which profoundly impact the right to education. This event provided a crucial opportunity to rethink education's role in promoting social justice and advancing human rights.

Kicking off the discussion, Ana Luiza Thompson-Flores, Director of UNESCO’s Liaison Office in Geneva, emphasized the urgency of addressing inequalities in education. “This pivotal event brings together leading thinkers dedicated to advancing the right to education. In a world still recovering from the disruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic and facing new global challenges, it is crucial that we dismantle the barriers that prevent access to quality education for all”, she stressed.

Throughout the dialogue, panellists tackled critical issues affecting the right to education, including privatization’s dual-edged sword. While privatization can drive innovation, it often deepens educational inequalities, especially in marginalized communities. “It is essential to strike a balance where private initiatives complement public systems,” noted Nicolas Mathieu, Secretary General of the Swiss Commission for UNESCO. “We cannot allow privatization to erode equitable access to quality education.” 

Youth representatives were pivotal in the discussions, adding urgency to the call for action. Ajmal Ramyar, representing UNESCO’s SDG4 Youth & Student Network, drew attention to the plight of Afghan girls and women. “Millions of girls in Afghanistan are denied their right to education. The situation surpasses the challenges discussed here, and we need collective, urgent action. This means raising awareness, providing online learning opportunities, and supporting Afghan women with visas and job opportunities,” Ramyar stressed.

As the dialogue concluded, participants reaffirmed their commitment to advancing the right to education globally. Reflecting on UNESCO’s Initiative on the evolving right to education, Borhene Chakroun, UNESCO’s Director for Policies and Lifelong Learning Systems, stated, " The evolving right to education must be at the heart of our efforts,” emphasizing the importance of aligning educational policies with the challenges posed by privatization, digitalization, and crises, among other things.” 
 

The event called for more robust regulatory frameworks, international cooperation, and a renewed focus on education as a public good. The road ahead is clear: governments, educators, learners, and civil society must work together to ensure that education remains a force for equality, empowerment, and resilience in an uncertain world.