On 15 February, Action Education participated in the annual Swiss International Cooperation Congress on Education. Entitled " Education for Future", the event brought together people from the policy and research communities, the private and financial sectors, as well as NGOs and youth. The aim of the congress is to find common solutions to ensure access to education worldwide.
Organised at the invitation of Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis, the congress represents a real added value for joint reflection and action. In addition to the Head of the FDFA and the Director of the Directorate and Department of Cooperation Patricia Danzi, participants from the world of politics, research, the private and financial sectors, NGOs and youth attended the event.
Education at the heart of the Second Annual Congress
Basic and vocational education and training are important aspects of Switzerland's international cooperation. Quality education is an essential condition for sustainable development. "Everyone has the right to education so that they can freely choose their life path and develop their potential. I am convinced that personal success and well-being depend on this fundamental freedom, here and everywhere in the world," emphasises Ignazio Cassis. But education systems around the world face significant challenges. Even before the pandemic, six out of ten children did not have basic literacy and numeracy skills, and COVID-19 has made the situation worse. Several schools closed, children were unable to continue their education and young people had to interrupt their training. Thus, events like this are important to allow NGO and education professionals to reflect on the best responses to today's challenges.
Youth in the spotlight at Action Education in 2023
Worldwide, according to the International Labour Organisation's 2019 report, 1 in 5 young people are out of school, untrained and unemployed. At Action Education, we believe that it is necessary to provide these young people with a quality education; it is essential to support them to obtain decent and sustainable employment. That is why in 2023, Action Education is committed to working with young people, particularly those from vulnerable and marginalised communities.
