Education and Global Solidarity

Abstract

By virtue of its mandate and functions, UNESCO brings an important contribution to the recognition of the right to education and of cultural rights as fundamental human rights which are universal, indivisible and interdependent. Its recommendations, declarations and international legal instruments have a great impact on the very substance of continuous efforts of States in promoting education for all. In UNESCO’s view the respect for the diversity of cultures, tolerance, dialogue and cooperation, in a climate of mutual trust and understanding, are among the best guarantees of international peace and security. A basic requirement for education nowadays is to be humanistic. In that regard, during the irreversible process of globalization, education is called upon to promote, to reflect and develop the universal values on which international relations of the current century should be founded. Global solidarity is one of those values which are vitally necessary for a globalization with a human face. The present article attempts to illustrate how UNESCO has managed to lead to a general consensus about the specific role of education and cultural diversity in creating a fertile environment for the recognition of the duty of solidarity as an imperative prerequisite of globalization. Academic institutions and first of all universities have a functional responsibility for putting into effect the immense potential of education in humanizing globalization by their activities and programs dedicated to the establishment of a culture of global solidarity in harmony with the unity of humankind.