EDUCATION THIS WEEK (28 September – 9 October 2020)

 

FUTURES OF EDUCATION INFORMATION SESSION THIS WEEK

For those who wish to participate in the UNESCO Futures of Education information meeting. We strongly recommend you read the attached guidelines prior to the meeting to take full advantage of the information that will be discussed.    This information meeting is about how NGOs can get involved in UNESCO’s “Futures of Education” initiative. The session will highlight how the NGO community can actively be engaged in supporting a global debate to rethink education and shape the future. To this end you will invited to organise focus group discussions with other NGOs and different community groups combined with a number of other tools available. The outcome of the deliberations will feed into the work of the Futures of Education International Commission, chaired by the President of Ethiopia, Her Excellency President Sahle-Work Zewde, and a global UNESCO report to be published in 2021.   The timeline is set out as follows:   October 2020: Information sessions (in English, French and Spanish)  October-November: organise focus group discussions and report back by end of November   We strongly hope that you will join us for this important initiative!     The link to join the English information session: 7 October 2020 2:00pm – 3:30pm (Paris time) Join Microsoft Teams Meeting   Le lien pour rejoindre la réunion d'information - session en français : 6 octobre 2020 13h00 - 14h30 (heure de Paris) Join Microsoft Teams Meeting   Aquí está el enlace para unirse a la reunión informativa sesión en español: 8 de octubre de 2020 16:00 - 17:30 (Hora de París) Join Microsoft Teams Meeting

WORLD TEACHERS’ DAY 2020

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5 October - Happy World Teachers’ Day! <!--[if !supportLists]-->·         <!--[endif]-->World Teachers’ Day 2020: fact sheet <!--[if !supportLists]-->·         <!--[endif]-->Gender in Teaching. A key dimension of inclusion - a series of infographics <!--[if !supportLists]-->·         <!--[endif]-->A new policy paper entitled Inclusive teaching: Preparing all teachers to teach all students by the GEM Report and the International Task Force on Teachers for Education 2030 (TTF), looks at teacher training programmes, touching upon issues of planning, implementation, monitoring and evaluation, and the support mechanisms in place to help teachers foster inclusion. It is also available in French and Spanish. See also the press release: With over 63 million teachers impacted by the COVID-19 crisis, on World Teachers' Day, UNESCO urges increased investment in teachers for learning recovery World Teachers’ Day is celebrated throughout this week and ends next Monday. Check out the full programme.

UIS REFOCUSING EFFORTS TO ATTAIN SDG4

On 22 September, the UIS implemented its annual education data release, featuring the latest statistics and core indicators produced by the Institute. Following the UN decisions and acknowledging the need to refocus the efforts to regain ground in education, the UIS has adopted a new strategy, concentrating on producing the essential data first and foremost. Read more about the UIS SDG Core system of indicators here.   The UIS is launching a suite of publications and web-related content to build a comprehensive network of resources to guide countries in monitoring their education goals. These include the Guidelines for Data Management and Functionality in Educational Management Information Systems (EMIS) (EN/FR/SP), the Operational Guide to Using EMIS to Monitor SDG 4 (EN) and forthcoming the Guide to Mapping and Using ISCED along with a visualization tool and the 2020 SDG 4 Data Digest on Household Surveys. Read more about the UIS’ refocusing efforts to attain SDG 4 here.

LATEST NEWS

<!--[if !supportLists]-->·         <!--[endif]-->UNESCO Director-General joins world leaders’ call for highest political commitment to achieve gender equality <!--[if !supportLists]-->·         <!--[endif]-->Fact Sheet on Schools Rehabilitation in Beirut, September 17, 2020 <!--[if !supportLists]-->·         <!--[endif]-->Global Goals Week Celebrated in Nepal with Youth <!--[if !supportLists]-->·         <!--[endif]-->Strong support for UNESCO’s Global Education Coalition at United Nations General Assembly high-level side event <!--[if !supportLists]-->·         <!--[endif]-->Q&A: African countries must build back equal for girls’ education & learn from the COVID-19 crisis <!--[if !supportLists]-->·         <!--[endif]-->Latin America shares its vision for the Global Education Meeting: Countries express concern for those being left behind <!--[if !supportLists]-->·         <!--[endif]-->UNESCO Prize for the use of ICT in Education: Call for nominations now open to projects ensuring the continuity and quality of learning <!--[if !supportLists]-->·         <!--[endif]-->New supplement to Framework for reopening schools <!--[if !supportLists]-->·         <!--[endif]-->Fostering Communities of Practice <!--[if !supportLists]-->·         <!--[endif]-->Teachers need training on inclusion <!--[if !supportLists]-->·         <!--[endif]-->Re-building resilient education systems: three lessons on the privatisation of education and one solution emerging from the COVID-19 pandemic <!--[if !supportLists]-->·         <!--[endif]-->Hon Dr David Moinina Sengeh is appointed Chair of the GEM Report Advisory Board <!--[if !supportLists]-->·         <!--[endif]-->What is the best pedagogy for managing the transition back to school? <!--[if !supportLists]-->·         <!--[endif]-->How teacher training needs to evolve in the 21st century <!--[if !supportLists]-->·         <!--[endif]-->What is the best pedagogy for managing the transition back to school? JUST PUBLISHED

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UNESCO’s education strategy for crisis-affected people on the move 2020-2025

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Amplifying the voices of women and girls with disabilities in Zimbabwe: a comprehensive study

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Trends in adult learning and education in the Arab States: findings from the 4th Global report on adult learning and education Also available in Arabic

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Mother tongue and early childhood care and education: synergies and challenge

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Supplement to Framework for reopening schools: emerging lessons from country experiences in managing the process of reopening schools

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Youth PVE: preventing violent extremism

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Global guidance on reopening early childhood education settings

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Policy brief: using digital credentials to keep the promises of TVET; Technical and Vocational Education

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UNESCO King Hamad Bin Isa Al-Khalifa Prize for the Use of ICT in Education: call for nominations Also available in French

CONTACT

This weekly update is published by UNESCO Education. Please share your ideas for articles and tell us about your main events/projects supporting the implementation of SDG4 by: <!--[if !supportLists]-->·         <!--[endif]-->Joining the discussion on the Microsoft Teams workspace SDG-Education 2030-NGOs <!--[if !supportLists]-->·         <!--[endif]-->Following twitter accounts @UNESCO and @Education2030UN hashtag #ActingTogether4education <!--[if !supportLists]-->·         <!--[endif]-->Reading the latest updates on UNESCO’s Education Transforms Lives and SDG4education2030.org websites.   If you do not wish to receive this update please email ccngo-ED2030@unesco.org with the exact email address you wish removed from the list in the text of your email with the subject line: Remove from mailing list of CCNGO on Education 2030. Thank you.

 

 

 

 

 

 

GLOBAL COMPACT ON EDUCATION - 15 OCTOBER

 

On 15 OCTOBER at 2.30 pm (Rome time) there will be a virtual meeting on the Global Educational Pact.  The Holy Father and various education experts will speak.

Live on Vatican media's you tube channel

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC7E-LYc1wivk33iyt5bR5zQ

Everyone can participate.

Une réunion virtuelle sur le Pacte mondial pour l'éducation se tiendra le 15 octobre à 14h30 (heure de Rome).  Le Saint-Père et divers experts en éducation prendront la parole.

En direct sur la chaîne You Tube du Vatican

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC7E-LYc1wivk33iyt5bR5zQ

Tout le monde peut participer.

El 15 de octubre a las 14.30 horas (hora de Roma) se celebrará una reunión virtual sobre el Pacto Mundial para la Educación. El Santo Padre y varios expertos en educación hablarán.

En vivo en el canal de YouTube de los medios de comunicación del Vaticano

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC7E-LYc1wivk33iyt5bR5zQ

Todo el mundo puede participar.

DOCENTES, LIDERES DE LA TRANSFORMACION EDUCATIVA

BLOG | Docentes, líderes de la transformación educativa en el contexto de la crisis por COVID-19 Por Claudia Uribe. Directora de la Oficina Regional de Educación para América Latina y el Caribe (OREALC/UNESCO Santiago) En el Día Mundial de los Docentes hacemos un reconocimiento al esfuerzo y trabajo realizado por las y los docentes durante los últimos meses y a su rol fundamental en la respuesta educativa durante la pandemia por COVID-19. Como en otras emergencias, los docentes se han destacado por su creatividad, trabajo innovador y colaborativo para encontrar soluciones y crear nuevos entornos de aprendizaje que aseguren el derecho a la educación de sus estudiantes. Desde la Oficina Regional de Educación para América Latina y el Caribe (OREALC/UNESCO Santiago) hemos hecho un seguimiento cercano a la respuesta de los sistemas educativos durante la crisis para conocer la situación del profesorado en este período, facilitando encuentros para compartir sus experiencias y retos con la enseñanza a distancia. Asimismo, trabajamos de la mano del profesorado, de las instituciones formadoras de docentes y de los gobiernos para actualizar la Estrategia Regional sobre docentes que lleva más de una década apoyando a estos actores educativos para responder a necesidades emergentes. Aunque la pandemia tomó a todos por sorpresa, las y los maestros han ido modificando y adaptando los planes de estudios y han adecuado las actividades para poder dar continuidad al proceso de enseñanza, ya sea de manera virtual, a través de los teléfonos móviles, la televisión, la radio, o enviando materiales a sus estudiantes a través de otros medios físicos o electrónicos. Hemos encontrado experiencias maravillosas, pero también grandes desafíos y brechas que se han acrecentado durante estos meses. El camino no ha sido fácil y la necesidad de adaptarse a la educación a distancia ha enfrentado a las y los educadores con un conjunto de responsabilidades y demandas que han exigido un aumento significativo en el tiempo de trabajo para preparar clases, asegurar conexiones adecuadas y dar seguimiento a sus estudiantes de una manera diferente. Lea la entrada completa en nuestro BLOG

 

UNESCO - WORLD TEACHERS DAY - Journée mondiale des enseignant(e)s - Día Mundial de los Docentes

 World Teachers' Day   -  FRANCAIS -  ESPANOL

5 OCTOBER

Held annually on 5 October since 1994, World Teachers’ Day commemorates the anniversary of the adoption of the 1966 ILO/UNESCO Recommendation concerning the Status of Teachers. This Recommendation sets benchmarks regarding the rights and responsibilities of teachers and standards for their initial preparation and further education, recruitment, employment, and teaching and learning conditions. The Recommendation concerning the Status of Higher-Education Teaching Personnel was adopted in 1997 to complement the 1966 Recommendation by covering teaching and research personnel in higher education.

With the adoption of the Sustainable Development Goal 4 on education, and the dedicated target (SDG 4.c) recognizing teachers as key to the achievement of the Education 2030 agenda, WTD has become the occasion to mark progress and reflect on ways to counter the remaining challenges for the promotion of the teaching profession.

World Teachers’ Day is co-convened in partnership with UNICEF, the International Labour Organization and Education International.

JOINT STATEMENT FROM UNESCO, ILO, UNICEF AND EDUCATION INTERNATIONAL

"In this crisis, teachers have shown, as they have done so often, great leadership and innovation in ensuring that #LearningNeverStops, that no learner is left behind. Around the world, they have worked individually and collectively to find solutions and create new learning environments for their students to allow education to continue. Their role advising on school reopening plans and supporting students with the return to school is just as important.”

Joint statement from Audrey Azoulay, Director-General of UNESCO, Guy Ryder, Director-General, International Labour Organization, Henrietta H. Fore, Executive Director, UNICEF, David Edwards, General Secretary, Education International on the occasion of World Teachers’ Day 2020

• Download the full message in English, French, Spanish, Arabic, Chinese, Russian.

WORLD TEACHERS' DAY CELEBRATIONS IN 2020

In 2020, World Teachers’ Day will celebrate teachers with the theme “Teachers: Leading in crisis, reimagining the future”. The day provides the occasion to celebrate the teaching profession worldwide, take stock of achievements, and draw attention to the voices of teachers, who are at the heart of efforts to attain the global education target of leaving no one behind.

The COVID-19 pandemic has significantly added to the challenges faced by already over-extended education systems throughout the world. It is no exaggeration to say that the world is at a crossroads and, now more than ever, we must work with teachers to protect the right to education and guide it into the unfolding landscape brought about by the pandemic.

The issue of teacher leadership in relation to crisis responses is not just timely, but critical in terms of the contributions teachers have made to provide remote learning, support vulnerable populations, re-open schools, and ensure that learning gaps have been mitigated. The discussions surrounding WTD will also address the role of teachers in building resilience and shaping the future of education and the teaching profession.

• Concept note

This year, in view of the current situation, the celebrations will take place online. As well as the World Teachers' Day Opening Ceremony and UNESCO-Hamdan Prize Awards Ceremony on 5 October, and the Closing Ceremony on 12 October, there will be a series of national, regional and global events throughout the week.

• Overview
• Agenda at a glance 
• Follow the Opening Ceremony and UNESCO-Hamdan Prize Awards Ceremony on 5 October, from 13:00 to 15:30
• English(link is external) - French(link is external) - Spanish(link is external) - Arabic(link is external)

FRATELLI TUTTI. POPE FRANCIS'S SOCIAL ENCYCLICAL -

[AR - DE - EN - ES - FR - IT - PL - PT]

Fraternity and social friendship are the ways the Pontiff indicates to build a better, more just and peaceful world, with the contribution of all: people and institutions. With an emphatic confirmation of a ‘no’ to war and to globalized indifference.

La fraternité et l'amitié sociale sont les moyens indiqués par le Souverain Pontife pour construire un monde meilleur, plus juste et plus pacifique, avec la contribution de tous : personnes et institutions. En confirmant avec force le "non" à la guerre et à l'indifférence mondialisée.

La fraternidad y la amistad social son los caminos que el Pontífice indica para construir un mundo mejor, más justo y pacífico, con la contribución de todos: personas e instituciones. Con una confirmación enfática del "no" a la guerra y a la indiferencia globalizada.

 By Isabella Piro – Vatican City

 What are the great ideals but also the tangible ways to advance for those who wish to build a more just and fraternal world in their ordinary relationships, in social life, politics and institutions? This is mainly the question that Fratelli tutti is intended to answer: the Pope describes it as a “Social Encyclical” (6) which borrows the title of the “Admonitions” of Saint Francis of Assisi, who used these words to “address his brothers and sisters and proposed to them a way of life marked by the flavour of the Gospel” (1). The Poverello “did not wage a war of words aimed at imposing doctrines; he simply spread the love of God”, the Pope writes, and “he became a father to all and inspired the vision  of a fraternal society” (2-4). The Encyclical aims to promote a universal aspiration toward fraternity and social friendship. Beginning with our common membership in the human family, from the  acknowledgement that we are brothers and sisters because we are the children of one Creator, all in the same boat, and hence we need to be aware that in a globalized and interconnected world, only together can we  be saved. The Document on Human Fraternity signed by Francis and the Grand Imam of Al-Azhar in February 2019 is an inspirational influence cited many times.

Fraternity is to be encouraged not only in words, but in deeds. Deeds made tangible in a “better kind of politics”, which is not subordinated to financial interests, but to serving the common good, able to place the dignity of every human being at the centre and assure work to everyone, so that each one can develop his or her own abilities. A politics which, removed from populism, is able to find solutions to what attacks fundamental human rights and which aims to definitively eliminate hunger and trafficking. At the same time, Pope Francis underscores that a more just world is achieved by promoting peace, which is not merely the absence of war; it demands “craftsmanship”, a job that involves everyone. Linked to truth, peace and reconciliation must be “proactive”; they must work toward justice through dialogue, in the name of mutual development. This begets the Pontiff's condemnation of war, the “negation of all rights” and is no longer conceivable even in a hypothetically “justified” form, because nuclear, chemical and biological weapons already have enormous repercussions on innocent civilians. There is also a strong rejection of the death penalty, defined as  “inadmissible”, and a central reflection on  forgiveness, connected to the concepts of remembrance and justice: to forgive does not mean to forget, the Pontiff writes, nor to give up defending one's  rights to safeguard one's dignity, which is a gift from God. In the background of the Encyclical is the Covid-19 pandemic which, Francis reveals, “unexpectedly erupted” as he “was writing this letter”. But the global health emergency has helped demonstrate that “no one can face life in isolation” and that the time has truly come to “dream, then, as a single human family” in which we are “brothers and sisters all” (7-8).

Global problems, global actions

Opened by a brief introduction and divided into eight chapters, the Encyclical gathers – as the Pope himself explains – many of his statements on fraternity and social friendship, arranged, however, “in  a broader context of reflection” and complemented by “a number of letters, documents” sent to Francis by “many individuals and groups throughout the world” (5). In the first chapter, “Dark clouds over a closed world”, the document reflects on the many distortions of the contemporary era: the manipulation and deformation of concepts such as democracy, freedom, justice; the loss of the meaning of the social community and history; selfishness and indifference toward the common good; the prevalence of a market logic based on profit and the culture of waste; unemployment, racism, poverty; the disparity of rights and its aberrations such as slavery, trafficking, women subjugated and then forced to abort, organ trafficking (10-24). It deals with global problems that call for global actions, emphasizes the Pope, also sounding the alarm against a “culture of walls” that favours the proliferation of organized crime, fuelled by fear and loneliness (27-28). Moreover, today we observe a deterioration of ethics  (29), contributed to, in a certain way, by the mass media which  shatter respect for others and eliminate all discretion, creating isolated and self-referential virtual circles, in which freedom is an illusion and dialogue is not constructive (42-50).

Love builds bridges: the Good Samaritan

To many shadows, however, the Encyclical responds with a luminous example, a herald of hope: the Good Samaritan. The second chapter, “A stranger on the road”, is dedicated to this figure. In it, the Pope emphasizes that, in  an unhealthy society that turns its back on suffering and that is “illiterate” in caring for the frail and vulnerable (64-65), we are all called – just like the Good Samaritan – to become neighbours to others (81), overcoming prejudices, personal interests, historic and cultural barriers. We all, in fact, are co-responsible in creating a society that is able to include, integrate and lift up those who have fallen or are suffering (77). Love builds bridges and “we were made for love” (88), the Pope adds, particularly exhorting Christians to recognize Christ in the face of every excluded person (85). The principle of the capacity to love according to  “a universal dimension” (83) is also resumed in the third chapter, “Envisaging and engendering an open world”. In this chapter Francis exhorts us to go “‘outside’ the self” in order to find “a fuller existence in another” (88), opening ourselves up to the other according to the dynamism of charity which makes us tend toward “universal fulfilment” (95).  In the background – the Encyclical recalls – the spiritual stature of a person’s life is measured by love, which always “takes first place” and leads us to seek better for the life of the other, far from all selfishness (92-93).

Rights have no borders

A fraternal society, therefore, will be one that promotes educating in dialogue in order to defeat the “virus” of “radical individualism” (105) and to allow everyone to give the best of themselves. Beginning with protection of the family and respect for its “primary and vital mission of education” (114). There are two ‘tools’ in particular to achieve this type of society: benevolence, or truly wanting good for the other (112), and solidarity which cares for fragility and is expressed in service to people and not to ideologies, fighting against poverty and inequality (115). The right to live with dignity cannot be denied to anyone, the Pope again affirms, and since rights have no borders, no one can remain excluded, regardless of  where they are born (121). In this perspective the Pontiff also calls us to consider “an ethics of international relations” (126), because every country  also belongs to foreigners and the goods of the territory cannot be denied to those who are in need and come from another place. Thus, the natural right to private property will be secondary to the principal of the universal destination of created goods (120). The Encyclical also places specific emphasis on the issue of foreign debt: subject to the principal that it must be paid, it is hoped nonetheless that this does not compromise the growth and subsistence of the poorest countries (126).

Migrants: global governance for long-term planning

Meanwhile, part of the second and the entire fourth chapter are dedicated to the theme of migration, the latter, entitled “A heart open to the whole world”. With their lives “at stake” (37), fleeing from war, persecution, natural catastrophes, unscrupulous trafficking, ripped from their communities of origin, migrants are to be welcomed, protected, supported and integrated. Unnecessary migration needs to be avoided, the Pontiff affirms, by creating concrete opportunities to live with dignity in the countries of origin. But at the same time, we need to respect the right to seek a better life elsewhere. In receiving countries, the right balance will be between the protection of citizens' rights and the guarantee of welcome and assistance for migrants (38-40). Specifically, the Pope points to several “indispensable steps, especially in response to those who are fleeing grave humanitarian crises”: to increase and simplify the granting of visas; to open humanitarian corridors; to assure lodging, security and essential services; to offer opportunities for employment and training; to favour family reunification; to protect minors; to guarantee religious freedom and promote social inclusion. The Pope also calls for establishing in society the concept of “full citizenship”, and  to reject the discriminatory use of the term “minorities” (129-131). What is needed above all – the document reads – is global governance, an international collaboration for migration which implements long-term planning, going beyond single emergencies (132), on behalf of the supportive development of all peoples based on the principle of gratuitousness. In this way, countries will be able to think as “human family” (139-141). Others who are different from us are a gift and an enrichment for all, Francis writes, because differences represent an opportunity for growth (133-135). A healthy culture is a welcoming culture that is able to open up to others, without renouncing itself, offering them something authentic. As in a polyhedron – an image dear to the Pontiff – the whole is more than its single parts, but the value of each one of them is respected (145-146).

Politics: valuable form of charity

The theme of the fifth chapter is “A better kind of politics”, which represents one of the most valuable forms of charity because it is placed at the service of the common good (180) and recognizes the importance of people, understood as an open category, available for discussion and dialogue (160). In a certain sense, this is the populism indicated by Francis, which counters that “populism” which  ignores the legitimacy of the notion of “people”, by attracting consensuses in order to exploit them for its own service and fomenting selfishness in order to increase its own popularity (159). But a better politics is also one that protects work, an “essential dimension of social life”, and seeks to ensure everyone the opportunity to develop their own abilities (162). The best help to a poor person, the Pontiff explains, is not just money, which is a provisional remedy, but rather allowing him or her to have a dignified life through work. The true anti-poverty strategy does not simply aim to contain or render indigents inoffensive, but to promote them in the perspective of solidarity and subsidiarity (187). The task of politics, moreover, is to find a solution to all that attacks fundamental human rights, such as social exclusion; the marketing of organs, tissues, weapons and drugs; sexual exploitation; slave labour; terrorism and organized crime. The Pope makes an emphatic appeal to definitively eliminate human trafficking, a “source of shame for humanity”, and hunger, which is “criminal” because food is “an inalienable right” (188-189).

The marketplace, by itself, cannot resolve every problem. It requires a reform of the UN

The politics we need, Francis also underscores, is one that says ‘no’ to corruption, to inefficiency, to the malign use of power, to the lack of respect for laws (177). It is a politics centred on human dignity and not subjected to finance because “the marketplace, by itself, cannot resolve every problem”: the “havoc” wreaked by financial speculation has demonstrated this (168).  Hence, popular movements have taken on particular relevance: as true “social poets” with that “torrent of moral energy”, they must be engaged in social, political and economic participation, subject, however, to greater coordination. In this way – the Pope states – it will be possible to go beyond a  Policy “with”  and “of” the poor (169). Another hope present in the Encyclical regards the reform of the UN: in the face of the predominance of the economic dimension which nullifies the power of the individual state, in fact, the task of the United Nations will be to give substance to the concept of a “family of  nations” working for the common good, the eradication of indigence and the protection of human rights. Tireless recourse “to negotiation, mediation and arbitration” –  the Papal Document states – the UN must promote the force of law rather than the law of force, by favouring multilateral accords that better protect even the weakest states (173-175).

The miracle of kindness

From the sixth chapter, “Dialogue and friendship in society”, further emerges the concept of life as the “art of encounter” with everyone, even with the world’s peripheries and with original peoples, because “each of us can learn something from others. No one is useless and no one is expendable” (215). True dialogue, indeed, is what allows one to respect the point of view of others, their legitimate interests and, above all, the truth of human dignity. Relativism is not a  solution – we read in the Encyclical – because without universal principals and moral norms that prohibit intrinsic evil, laws become merely arbitrary impositions (206). From this perspective, a particular role falls to the media which, without exploiting human weaknesses or drawing out the worst in us, must be directed toward generous encounter and to closeness with the least, promoting proximity and the sense of human family (205). Then, of particular note, is the Pope’s reference to the miracle of  “kindness”, an attitude to be recovered because it is a star “shining in the midst of darkness” and “frees us from the cruelty ...  the anxiety ... the frantic flurry of activity” that prevail in the contemporary era. A kind person, writes Francis, creates a healthy coexistence and opens paths in places where exasperation burns bridges (222-224).

The art of peace and the importance of forgiveness

The value and promotion of peace is reflected on in the seventh chapter, “Paths of renewed encounter”, in which the Pope underlines that peace is connected to truth, justice and mercy. Far from the desire for vengeance, it is “proactive” and aims at forming a society based on service to others and on the pursuit of reconciliation and mutual development (227-229). In a society, everyone must feel “at home”, the Pope writes. Thus, peace is an “art” that involves and regards everyone and in which each one must do his or her part. Peace-building is “an open-ended endeavour, a never-ending task”, the Pope continues, and thus it is important to place the human person, his or her dignity and the common good at the centre of all activity (230-232). Forgiveness is linked to peace: we must love everyone, without exception – the Encyclical reads – but loving an oppressor means helping him to change and not allowing him to continue oppressing his neighbour. On the contrary: one who suffers an injustice must vigorously defend his  rights in order to safeguard his dignity, a gift of God (241-242). Forgiveness does not mean impunity, but rather, justice and remembrance, because to forgive does not mean to forget, but to renounce the destructive power of evil and the desire for revenge. Never forget “horrors” like the Shoah, the atomic bombing of Hiroshima and Nagasaki, persecutions and ethnic massacres – exhorts the Pope. They must  be remembered always, anew, so as not be become anaesthetized and to keep the flame of collective conscience alive. It is just as important to remember the good, and those who have chosen forgiveness and fraternity (246-252).

Never again war, a failure of humanity

Part of the seventh chapter, then, focuses on war: it is not “a ghost from the past” – Francis emphasizes – “but a constant threat”, and it represents “the negation of all rights”, “a failure of politics and of humanity”, and “a stinging defeat before the forces of evil” which lies in their “abyss”.  Moreover, due to nuclear chemical and biological weapons that strike many innocent civilians, today we can no longer think, as in the past, of the possibility of a “just war”, but we must vehemently reaffirm: “Never again war!” And considering that we are experiencing a “world war fought piecemeal”, because all conflicts are interconnected, the total elimination of nuclear arms is “a moral and humanitarian imperative”. With the money invested in weapons, the Pope suggests instead the establishment of a global fund  for the elimination of hunger (255-262).

The death penalty inadmissible, to be abolished

Francis expresses just as clear a position with regard to the death penalty: it is  inadmissible and must be abolished worldwide, because “not even a murderer loses his personal dignity” – the Pope writes – “and God himself pledges to guarantee this”. From here, two exhortations: do not view punishment as vindictive, but rather as part of a process of healing and of social reintegration, and to improve prison conditions, with respect for the human dignity of the inmates, also considering that “a life sentence is a secret death penalty” (263-269). There is emphasis on the necessity to respect “the sacredness of life” (283) where today “some parts of our human family, it appears, can be readily sacrificed”, such as the unborn, the poor, the disabled and the elderly (18).

Guarantee religious freedom

In the eighth and final chapter, the Pontiff focuses on “Religions at the service of fraternity in our world” and again emphasizes that violence has no basis in religious convictions, but rather in their deformities. Thus, “deplorable” acts, such as acts of terrorism, are not due to religion but to erroneous interpretations of religious texts, as well as “policies linked to hunger, poverty, injustice, oppression”. Terrorism must not be supported with either money or weapons, much less with media coverage, because it is an international crime against security and world peace, and as such must be condemned (282-283).  At the same time the Pope underscores that a journey of peace among religions is possible and that it is therefore necessary to guarantee religious freedom, a fundamental human right for all believers (279). The Encyclical reflects, in particular, on the role of the Church: she does not “restrict her mission to the private sphere”, it states. She does not remain at the margins of society and, while not engaging in politics, however, she does not renounce the political dimension of life itself. Attention to the common good and concern for integral human development, in fact, concern humanity, and all that is human concerns the Church, according to evangelical principals (276-278). Lastly, reminding religious leaders of their role as “authentic mediators” who expend themselves in order to build peace, Francis quotes the “Document on Human Fraternity for World Peace and Living Together”, which he signed on 4 February 2019 in Abu Dhabi, along with the Grand Imam of Al-Azhar,  Ahmad Al-Tayyib: from that milestone of interreligious dialogue, the Pontiff returns to the appeal that, in the name of human fraternity, dialogue be adopted as the way, common cooperation as conduct, and mutual knowledge as method and standard (285).

Blessed  Charles de Foucauld, “the universal brother”

The Encyclical concludes by remembering Martin Luther King, Desmond Tutu,  Mahatma Gandhi and above all Blessed Charles de Foucauld, a model for everyone of what it means to identify with the least in order to become “the universal brother” (286-287). The last lines of the Document are given to two prayers: one “to the Creator” and the other an “Ecumenical Christian Prayer”, so that the heart of mankind may harbour “a spirit of fraternity”.

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UNESCO - GEM REPORT EVENTS -en-fr-es

The publication of each new edition of the Global Education Monitoring Report is the occasion for taking stock on progress made - or not - and generating renewed interest for moving the new education goal in the Sustainable Development Agenda forward. Official launchings and related events are held in different parts of the world throughout the year. They draw attention to important issues and help to get the message across to different audiences. 

If you have any enquiries about the following events or if you'd like to attend one, please contact gemevents@unesco.org.

EN - FR - ES

GEM Report events Upcoming events in October: 5 October: World Teachers Day Event - Bedrock of inclusion: why investing in the education workforce is critical for achieving SDG4: Research launch. Release of a new GEM Report policy paper on teachers and inclusion 7 October: 2020 GEM Report National Launch Timor-Leste 8 October: Regional webinar for teachers and teacher unions in sub-Saharan Africa, Teachers Leading in crisis, reimagining the future 12 October: Placing gender equality at the heart of education for a new generation. Event with the French Ministry of Europe and Foreign Affairs, Plan International France and UNESCO to present the new GEM 2020 Gender Report 12 October: Arab States sub-regional launch event for the 2020 GEM Report jointly organised by the UNESCO Office for the Gulf States and Yemen and the Qatar National Commission for UNESCO, with the support of the Qatar Ministry of Education and Higher Education. 15 October: Educaid.be Digital Conference 2020, a national launch event for the 2020 GEM Report in Belgium 15 October: National launch event for the 2020 GEM Report in Haiti 15 October: National launch of the 2020 GEM Report in the Netherlands 19 October: Third UN data forum, a presentation of the GEM Report's new SCOPE data-visualistaion website  22 October: National launch of the 2020 GEM Report Finland  Keep an eye on the GEM Report's events calendar for further details.  https://en.unesco.org/gem-report/

SCRIPTURAE SACRAE AFFECTUS - Lettre Apostolique - Apostolic Letter - Carta Apostòlica

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LETTRE APOSTOLIQUE

SCRIPTURAE SACRAE AFFECTUS

DU SAINT-PÈRE FRANÇOIS
À L’OCCASION DU XVIÈME CENTENAIRE DE LA MORT DE SAINT JÉRÔME

 Une affection pour la Sainte Écriture, un amour suave et ardent pour la Parole de Dieu écrite, c’est l’héritage que saint Jérôme a laissé à l’Église à travers sa vie et ses œuvres. Les expressions tirées de la mémoire liturgique du saint[1] nous offrent une clé de lecture indispensable pour connaître, en ce XVIème centenaire de sa mort, sa figure imposante dans l’histoire de l’Église et son grand amour pour le Christ. Cet amour se subdivise comme un fleuve en de nombreux petits ruisseaux dans son œuvre d’infatigable chercheur, traducteur, exégète, profond connaisseur et vulgarisateur passionné de la Sainte Écriture ; d’interprète raffiné des textes bibliques ; d’ardent et parfois impétueux défenseur de la vérité chrétienne ; d’ermite ascétique intransigeant et de guide spirituel expérimenté, dans sa générosité et dans sa tendresse. Aujourd’hui, mille six cents ans après, sa figure demeure d’une grande actualité pour nous chrétiens du XXIème siècle. .......

APOSTOLIC LETTER

SCRIPTURAE SACRAE AFFECTUS

OF THE HOLY FATHER FRANCIS
ON THE SIXTEEN HUNDREDTH ANNIVERSARY
OF THE DEATH OF SAINT JEROME

 Devotion to sacred Scripture, a “living and tender love” for the written word of God: this is the legacy that Saint Jerome bequeathed to the Church by his life and labours. Now, on the sixteen hundredth anniversary of his death, those words taken from the opening prayer of his liturgical Memorial[1] give us an essential insight into this outstanding figure in the Church’s history and his immense love for Christ. That “living and tender love” flowed, like a great river feeding countless streams, into his tireless activity as a scholar, translator and exegete. Jerome’s profound knowledge of the Scriptures, his zeal for making their teaching known, his skill as an interpreter of texts, his ardent and at times impetuous defence of Christian truth, his asceticism and harsh eremitical discipline, his expertise as a generous and sensitive spiritual guide – all these make him, sixteen centuries after his death, a figure of enduring relevance for us, the Christians of the twenty-first century......

CARTA APOSTÓLICA

SCRIPTURAE SACRAE AFFECTUS

DEL SANTO PADRE FRANCISCO
EN EL XVI CENTENARIO DE LA MUERTE DE SAN JERÓNIMO

 Una estima por la Sagrada Escritura, un amor vivo y suave por la Palabra de Dios escrita es la herencia que san Jerónimo ha dejado a la Iglesia a través de su vida y sus obras. Las expresiones, tomadas de la memoria litúrgica del santo[1], nos ofrecen una clave de lectura indispensable para conocer, en el XVI centenario de su muerte, su admirable figura en la historia de la Iglesia y su gran amor por Cristo. Este amor se extiende, como un río en muchos cauces, a través de su obra de incansable estudioso, traductor, exegeta, profundo conocedor y apasionado divulgador de la Sagrada Escritura; fino intérprete de los textos bíblicos; ardiente y en ocasiones impetuoso defensor de la verdad cristiana; ascético y eremita intransigente, además de experto guía espiritual, en su generosidad y ternura. Hoy, mil seiscientos años después, su figura sigue siendo de gran actualidad para nosotros, cristianos del siglo XXI......

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EDUCATION ET ECOLOGIE - EDUCAZIONE E ECOLOGIA- EDUCATION AND ECOLOGY

 

EDUCARE ALL’ALLEANZA TRA L’UMANITÀ E L’AMBIENTE (Laudato Si, n.209)

IT - FR - EN 

Vincent Dollmann- Arcivescovo di Cambrai - A.E. UMEC-WUCT

Intervento al Webinar "Laudato si' - Itinerari educativi"  

 Quando voglio riflettere sull’educazione nel contesto della salvaguardia del creato, penso di dover tener conto dell’attuale contesto di crisi sanitaria ed economica. Nel giugno scorso, ho inviato una lettera ai giovani della mia diocesi, invitandoli a rileggere le settimane di confino ed a proporre alcune lezioni per il futuro. Circa quindici studenti delle scuole superiori e dell'università di provenienza molto diversa mi hanno inviato le loro riflessioni. Queste testimoniano una vera lucidità sulla società e sul cuore dell'uomo e allo stesso tempo esprimono il desiderio di  un'umanità più rispettosa delle persone e del creato. I giovani hanno tutti sottolineato la complessità del cuore umano di fronte al pericolo di morte. Può rivelare sia il suo egoismo che arriva a litigare nei negozi per carta igienica, pacchi d'acqua o un pacchetto di pasta. Ma nello stesso tempo, può anche rivelare un'ondata di generosità per le persone povere o sole.  Dall’uscita del confino, i giovani hanno notato il persistere di atteggiamenti paradossali: molti contemporanei stanno riscoprendo la bellezza di un mondo meno inquinato, ma sono in grado di lanciare le loro maschere nell’ambiente. ........

 EDUCAZIONE E ECOLOGIA

EDUCATION ET ECOLOGIE

EDUCATION AND ECOLOGY