The European Union, in a statement delivered on 17 June 2026 at the 62nd session of the UN Human Rights Council, reaffirmed the human right to education and underscored the need for a holistic approach that addresses curriculum, pedagogy, and assessment as interconnected elements. The statement, delivered during an interactive dialogue with the UN Special Rapporteur on education, also highlighted the opportunities and risks of artificial intelligence in education, calling for a human-centric approach that ensures transparency, non-discrimination, and meaningful human oversight.
The EU and its Member States reiterated their commitment to achieving Sustainable Development Goal 4, noting that access to quality education is essential but not sufficient. The statement emphasized that education systems should support learner-centred, inclusive, and participatory approaches that promote critical thinking, creativity, digital skills, civic engagement, and respect for diversity, while addressing discrimination and inequalities. This aligns with the UNESCO Convention against Discrimination in Education and the World Programme for Human Rights Education, including its fifth phase focusing on children and youth.
The EU highlighted its role as the main investor in education worldwide, dedicating more than 10% of its International Partnerships budget—over €6 billion—to education, which has contributed to 67 million more children gaining access to professionally trained teachers in partner countries. The statement also posed a question to the Special Rapporteur on how states can ensure that assessment systems support learning and inclusion rather than contributing to excessive pressure, exclusion, or inequality among learners.
The statement was delivered by the EU Delegation to the UN in Geneva, which represents the EU and its Member States at the Human Rights Council. The interactive dialogue forms part of the Council's regular sessions, where special rapporteurs present reports and engage with member states and observers.
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