UN, UNESCO Highlight Teachers’ Role, Warn of Education Challenges in Afghanistan
UN, UNESCO Highlight Teachers’ Role, Warn of Education Challenges in Afghanistan
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The United Nations and UNESCO marked World Teachers’ Day on October 5 by recognizing the vital role of teachers in shaping future generations and calling for greater professional support and improved working conditions for educators worldwide.
The 2026 observance coincided with the 60th anniversary of the 1966 UNESCO-ILO Recommendation concerning the Status of Teachers. UNESCO said teachers are facing new challenges, including the impact of digital technologies, climate change, inclusion, migration and displacement, and called for greater recognition and support for the teaching profession.
The occasion also drew attention to Afghanistan, where the education system continues to face serious challenges. UNESCO has reported that restrictions preventing female teachers from teaching boys have exacerbated the shortage of teachers, while the decline in the number of qualified female teachers is affecting education quality.
Recent UNESCO data indicate that Afghanistan faces a significant shortage of qualified female teachers, while restrictions on girls’ access to secondary and higher education continue to affect the country’s education system. Reuters also reported in August that UNESCO estimated Afghanistan could face a deficit of more than 11,000 qualified female teachers by 2030.
On World Teachers’ Day, UN agencies reiterated the importance of supporting teachers and ensuring that educators have the professional conditions needed to provide quality education, while UNESCO continues to call for the restoration of educational opportunities for Afghan girls and women.
