31 October 2025 16:01

Minister Tekin addressed participants at the Ministers' Session titled "Transforming Tomorrow Today: Skills Needed for a Sustainable Future," held within the framework of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO)'s 43rd General Conference in Samarkand, Uzbekistan.

Emphasizing that the foundation of sustainable development lies in the transformative power of education, Minister Tekin stated, "We must collectively harness this power to make our future more just and livable." He further noted that, for a sustainable world, not only the right to education but also the right to life must be defended. "What happened in Gaza has systematically destroyed the right to education. Approximately 750,000 students have been left without access to education, 518 schools have been destroyed or severely damaged, and 79% of higher education institutions have become unusable. This bleak picture necessitates the urgent intervention of the international community and the protection of children's fundamental rights," Tekin noted.

Minister Tekin stated that UNESCO's fundamental principle of "Education for All" must be taken into account for all children with limited access to schooling, particularly those in Gaza.

Tekin noted that Türkiye has recently brought four main issues to the agenda and offered the following assessment:

"One of these is the curricula we have implemented based on the understanding that education is the primary tool for achieving world peace and fostering a culture of democracy and human rights. The Century of Türkiye Education Model, which we launched in the 2024-2025 academic year, represents an educational approach grounded in respect for human rights, democracy, and universal values. This model aims to enable individuals to build a sustainable and dignified future and places at its core the nurturing of environmentally conscious and ecologically aware generations. It is inevitable that we construct a paradigm that questions the irrationalities of our time and embraces a shared future for humanity. Indeed, with this model, we have placed at the center a democratic educational approach that safeguards human rights, prioritizes respect for humanity, and sets an example for the world."

Tekin emphasized that, as a country that has largely resolved access to education issues over the past two decades, they have now placed quality at the center of their agenda. He stated, "Based on this reality, the second main issue on our agenda is to carry out a comprehensive transformation process with digital and innovative solutions to enhance the quality of education and strengthen equal opportunities. Today, digital technologies make access to education no longer an option but a necessity for people. For this reason, we prioritize developing the digital literacy and competencies of our teachers and students. We have integrated artificial intelligence into our education system with a sustainable approach."

Minister Tekin stated that another issue on their agenda is an initiative aimed at ensuring the vocational development of individuals both within and beyond the compulsory education age. He also noted that another key issue is the training of teachers and the enhancement of their qualifications.

Tekin concluded his speech by saying, "I call upon all nations of the world to build an education process that centers on human rights and democracy."