Your Excellency, Madame President, Minister Perciun, distinguished guests, partners, and friends,
Hello!
Ladies and Gentlemen,
Recognizing that education is a fundamental right and a powerful tool for breaking the cycle of poverty, UNICEF works tirelessly to create inclusive and equitable learning environments.
In an era defined by rapid change and unprecedented challenges, quality, inclusive education means creating a learning environment where every child is not only taught academic skills but is also nurtured with values that promote respect, equity, and social responsibility.
One should not forget that the world our children inherit will demand more than just academic excellence.
And, as educators, we hold a unique and profound responsibility. The lessons we impart today will echo through the lives of our students, influencing not only their futures but the future of our society. By integrating values into our curricula, we create a holistic learning environment—one that encourages students to reflect on their actions and understand the impact of their choices.
The young people need to be engaged and take responsibility for their role in shaping the world around them.
Are they prepared for that?
The challenges our children will face are unlike any before. The digital age has opened doors to an overwhelming volume of information. While this access and openness to the world is a gift, it also presents a challenge. Our students are bombarded with data that influences their knowledge, decisions, and actions, produced from a variety of sources that can look very professional, trendy and convincing, but have no basis in evidence or facts.
Echo chambers—environments where individuals are exposed only to beliefs and opinions that mirror their own—have become increasingly prevalent. These echo chambers can reinforce biases, deepen divisions, and create a fractured society where understanding and empathy are in short supply. In such a landscape, the need for shared values that transcend individual perspectives is more urgent than ever.
How can we create the foundation for a cohesive society, guiding our interactions and helping us bridge the gaps between different points of view? How do we impart to children that the value of ‘respect’ also means to listen, that ‘integrity’ does not mean being stubborn, but rather continuously seeking different interpretations to refine one’s position, and that it is always better to be kind than to be right?
Without a strong moral compass and the self-confidence to question what they see and hear, how will today’s children navigate the complex landscape of the modern world and make principled choices where the lines between right and wrong can often appear blurred?
The role of teachers is vital. While we are teaching science, mathematics, or literature, we must also teach our students how to deal with life's uncertainties, how to react when things don’t go as planned, and how to make decisions that are not only smart but also just and compassionate.
Our education system must cultivate a deep understanding of ethical dilemmas and the importance of principled action.
As educators, you have the opportunity to contribute to a historical moment—to help create the next generation of leaders, thinkers, and changemakers.
The values upheld by UNICEF—such as inclusion, equity, and accountability —are vital in promoting a just and compassionate world. Together, these values create a strong foundation for a world where every child’s rights are protected, and where all individuals can contribute to and benefit from the progress of society. By embedding these values into the fabric of our communities, we can build a future that is not only prosperous but also deeply humane.
So, as we gather here today, let us commit to a vision of education that goes beyond academics. Let us dedicate ourselves to nurturing the hearts and minds of our students, to equipping them with the values they need to build a better world. Together, we can ensure that the future is not only bright but also guided by principles that will stand the test of time.
Thank you.
