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The recommendations concerning the status of teachers were adopted on October 5, 1966 after the conference.
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The recommendations outlined the rights and responsibilities of teachers.
Image: TSC/X
Every year on October 5, the world commemorates World Teacher's Day to recognise their contribution to education and honor them.
World Teacher's Day was proclaimed by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) in 1994 when it was first celebrated.
This was after UNESCO and the International Labour Organisation (ILO) held an intergovernmental conference in 1966 in Paris, France to discuss issues affecting teachers.
The special conference by UNESCO and ILO discussed the training, working conditions, and the quality of education teachers provide.
Following the conference, a number of recommendations were made to improve the status of teachers worldwide.
This included recognising the importance of teachers in society and the need for better training and professional development opportunities.
The recommendations concerning the status of teachers were adopted on October 5, 1966, after the conference.
The recommendations outlined the rights and responsibilities of teachers. It also set international standards for teacher preparation and continued professional development.
In a bid to commemorate the adoption of the recommendations and acknowledge the vital role of teachers in shaping the future, UNESCO established October 5 as World Teachers' Day.
Since then, World Teachers' Day has been observed annually to honor teachers and highlight their significant contributions to education and society.
It serves as an opportunity for governments, educational institutions, and individuals to appreciate and support the important work that teachers do worldwide.
While October 5 is the date designated by UNESCO for the celebration of World Teachers' Day, different countries may have their own specific dates for honoring teachers.
However, the October 5 observance remains a global recognition of the teaching profession.
This year, the global celebrations will be held at UNESCO headquarters in Paris, France.
The 2023 World Teacher's Day celebration is themed, "The Teachers We Need for the Education We Want: the global imperative to Reverse the teacher shortage."
The ceremony will be opened by UNESCO Director-General Audrey Azoulay, followed by messages from the three co-convening agencies: ILO, UNICEF, and Education International.
As part of the celebrations, UNESCO will inaugurate an original photo exhibition featuring teachers from across the globe.
Here in Kenya, the Teachers Service Commission Chairperson Nancy Macharia will lead the commemoration which will be attended by other education stakeholders.