World Teachers' Day- Theme, Background & UNESCO

Every year, October 5 is observed as World Teachers' Day. However, in India, Teachers' Day is observed on September 5. It is the birth anniversary of India’s first vice-president and second president, Dr S.Radhakrishnan. 

World Teachers' Day pays tribute to teachers around the world for their role in transforming education and also calls upon the world to recognise, appreciate, and actively support teachers.

World Teachers’ Day is convened by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) in partnership with the International Labour Organization (ILO),United Nations Children Fund (UNICEF) and Education International (EI).

Background to the World Teachers' Day 

UNESCO's general assembly passed a resolution in 1994 to observe October 5 as World Teachers’ Day. On October 5, 1966, a special intergovernmental conference in Paris, France, convened by UNESCO, adopted the UNESCO/ILO Recommendation concerning the Status of Teachers. 

This recommendation lays down the rights and responsibilities of teachers. It also set international standards for further education, recruitment, employment, teaching and learning conditions. 

The first World Teachers' Day was observed in 1994.

The theme of the World Teachers' Day 2023

The theme of World Teachers' Day 2023 is: "The teachers we need for the education we want: The global imperative to reverse the teacher shortage".

According to UNESCO, “the 2023 celebrations will aim to put the importance of stopping the decline in the number of teachers and then starting to increase that number at the top of the global agenda.”

UNESCO( United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization)

The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) is a specialised agency of the United Nations.

It was set up on November 16 1945. 

Members: It has 195 Members and 8 Associate Members.

Aim of UNESCO: UNESCO aims to contribute to building a culture of peace, eradicating poverty, promoting sustainable development and promotion of  intercultural dialogue through education, sciences, culture, communication and information.

Headquarters: Paris, France 

Director General: Audrey Azoulay (France)

Important full form for exam

UNESCO: United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization

ILO: International Labour Organization 

UNICEF: United Nations Children Fund