A/RES/73/25 International Day of Education Recalling its resolution 72/222 of 20 December 2017 on education for sustainable development in the framework of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, as well as its resolution 70/209 of 22 December 2015 and other previous resolutions on the United Nations Decade of Education for Sustainable Dev elopment, Reaffirming its resolutions 53/199 of 15 December 1998 and 61/185 of 20 December 2006 on the proclamation of international years and Economic and Social Council resolution 1980/67 of 25 July 1980 on international years and anniversaries, particularly paragraphs 1 to 10 of the annex thereto on the agreed criteria for the proclamation of international year s, as well as paragraphs 13 and 14, in which it is stated that an international year should not be proclaimed before the basic arrangements for its organization and financing have been made, Recognizing that education plays a key role in building sustainable and resilient societies and contributes to the achievement of all of the other Sustainable Development Goals; it increases the productivity of individuals and strengthens the potential for economic growth, develops the skills needed for decent work, de velops the professional skills needed for sustainable development, including in the fields of water and sanitation, green energy and the conservation of natural resources, helps to eradicate poverty and hunger, contributes to improved health, promotes gend er equality and can reduce inequality, and promotes peace, the rule of law and respect for human rights, Acknowledging the importance of working to ensure inclusive and equitable quality education at all levels – early childhood, primary, secondary, tertiary and distance education, including technical and vocational training – so that all people may have access to lifelong learning opportunities that help them to acquire the knowledge and skills needed to access opportunities to participate fully in societ y and contribute to sustainable development, 1. Decides to proclaim 24 January the International Day of Education; 2. Invites all Member States, organizations of the United Nations system, other international and regional organizations and civil society organizations, non-governmental organizations, faith-based organizations, academic institutions, the private sector, individuals and other relevant stakeholders to observe the International Day of Education in an appropriate manner and to continue to give consideration to enhancing international cooperation in support of the efforts of all Member States towards the realization of Sustainable Development Goal 4; 4 3. Invites the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization, as the specialized United Nations agency for education, to facilitate the observance of 24 January of every year as the International Day of Education, mindful of the provisions contained in the annex to Economic and Social Council resolution 1980/67; 4. Stresses that the cost of all activities that may arise from the implementation of the present resolution should be met from voluntary contributions; 5. Requests the Secretary-General to bring the present resolution to the attention of all Member States, the organizations of the United Nations system and civil society organizations for appropriate observance. 44th plenary meeting 3 December 2018 __________________ 4 2/2 See resolution 70/1. 18-20839