As the world evolves, so too does the role of education in empowering individuals to navigate the complexities of modern life. On January 24, 2025, the global community celebrates the International Day of Education (IDE) with the theme, AI and Education: Preserving Human Agency in a World of Automation. This theme underscores the critical intersection of artificial intelligence (AI) and education, emphasizing the need to maintain human decision-making and creativity amidst rapid technological advancements.
The Importance of the International Day of Education
Proclaimed by the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA), the International Day of Education highlights education as a cornerstone for building inclusive, equitable, and sustainable societies. It aims to reduce gender, economic, and digital divides while contributing to the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
The Department of Education (DepEd) of the Philippines joins the global observance, reinforcing its commitment to international cooperation and its role as a member of the UNESCO Executive Board. In this capacity, the Philippines actively participates in shaping educational policies and programs that address contemporary challenges and promote lifelong learning opportunities for all by 2030.
Read DepEd Memorandum No. 007, Series 2025
UNESCO’s Vision and Initiatives
At the heart of UNESCO’s mission is the transformative power of education to build peace, eradicate poverty, and drive sustainable development. UNESCO’s education initiatives include:
- Education 2030 Framework: A global mechanism to accelerate progress toward SDG 4, ensuring inclusive and quality education.
- Futures of Education: Reimagining how knowledge and learning can shape humanity’s future.
- #RightToEducation Campaign: Advocating for universal access to quality education.
IDE 2025 Activities in the Philippines
To commemorate this significant event, DepEd has lined up various activities that reflect the IDE 2025 theme:
- January 23, 2025: An Inter-Agency Meeting on Education for Sustainable Development (ESD) to review and enhance ESD implementation in the country.
- January 24, 2025: The IDE 2025 Forum and Exhibit on AI and Education, a platform for exploring the integration of AI in education while preserving human agency.
DepEd invites its regional directors, bureau and service directors, executive committee members, and other key stakeholders to actively participate in these activities.
Promoting Awareness and Engagement
DepEd encourages field offices, public and private schools, and stakeholders to organize relevant activities that promote the IDE 2025 theme. Schools are urged to adhere to the no-disruption-of-classes policy (DepEd Order No. 9, s. 2005) and guidelines on off-campus activities (DepEd Order No. 66, s. 2017) in their observances.
Printable and online advocacy materials will be provided to enhance awareness, and these resources will be made available through DepEd’s External Partnerships Service-International Cooperation Office (EPS-ICO) and Public Affairs Service (PAS).
Why the 2025 Theme Matters
The theme AI and Education: Preserving Human Agency in a World of Automation invites us to reflect on the delicate balance between embracing technology and maintaining human-centric education. As AI reshapes classrooms and workplaces, education must ensure that individuals retain the power to think critically, innovate creatively, and act ethically.
Join the Celebration
As we observe the International Day of Education 2025, let us recommit to the transformative power of education. Together, we can harness technology to build a future where no one is left behind and every learner has the tools to thrive in an ever-changing world.
Happy International Day of Education!