Who inaugurated World Teachers Day?

The correct answer is UNESCO (United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization).
World Teachers' Day, also known as International Teachers' Day, is held annually on October 5. It was officially inaugurated by UNESCO in 1994 to celebrate the work of teachers and to focus on the importance of the profession worldwide.

Why October 5?

The date was chosen to commemorate the anniversary of the adoption of the 1966 UNESCO/ILO Recommendation concerning the Status of Teachers. This recommendation set benchmarks regarding the rights and responsibilities of teachers, as well as standards for their initial preparation, further education, recruitment, and employment conditions.

The Role of Education International (EI):

While UNESCO inaugurated the day, it is celebrated in partnership with:

• The International Labour Organization (ILO): Focused on the labor rights and working conditions of educators.


• UNICEF: Focused on the role of teachers in child development and global education.


• Education International (EI): The global federation of teachers' unions, which helps mobilize celebrations in over 170 countries.

Importance of the Day:

Each year, UNESCO and its partners choose a specific theme to highlight a particular challenge or achievement within the teaching profession. Common themes include:

• Teacher Shortages: Addressing the global need for more qualified educators.


• Professional Development: Improving training and support for teachers.


• Educational Recovery: Highlighting the role of teachers in post-crisis or post-pandemic scenarios.

Comparison of the Options:

• UNESCO: The specialized agency of the UN responsible for education, science, and culture. They are the primary organizers.


• UN (United Nations): While UNESCO is part of the UN "family," the specific mandate for Teachers' Day belongs to UNESCO.


• SAARC (South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation): A regional intergovernmental organization that focuses on South Asia; it does not have the mandate for global commemorative days.