International Day of Balanced and Inclusive Education

29 January

As January unfolds its peculiar nature, ushering in new beginnings and resolutions, the 29^th of January emerges as a distinctive date on the calendar. The Organisation of Southern Cooperation (OSC) invites you to join the commemoration of the International Day of Balanced and Inclusive Education #BIEday.

On 29 January 2020, at the III ForumBIE 2030 – International Summit for Balanced and Inclusive Education in the Republic of Djibouti, 30 countries and 18 intergovermental and international civil society organisations from across the Global South proclaimed the Universal Declaration of Balanced and Inclusive Education (UDBIE), mandating the OSC to contribute to the realisation of its vision for transforming education systems.

At the First OSC General Assembly held in Geneva, Switzerland (6-8 December 2021), Founding and Member States of the Organisation adopted a resolution confirming 29 January as the International Day of BIE.

In commemoration of this significant milestone for education, the OSC General Assembly adopted resolution GA/RES/24 on 8 December 2021, proclaiming every 29^th of January as the International Day of Balanced and Inclusive Education (BIE Day), to “be devoted to making known to the peoples of the world the principles, rights, duties, and commitments proclaimed in the Universal Declaration of Balanced and Inclusive Education”.

#BIEday serves as an annual reflection on the progress realised and challenges faced in the realm of Balanced and Inclusive Education (BIE) and catalyse further collective action in favour of this transformative vision adopted by leaders across the Global South.

An Educational Transformation

The Universal Declaration of Balanced and Inclusive Education (UDBIE) is structured around 15 articles, each of which includes a paragraph affirming a set of universal principles, rights, and educational duties, followed by two concrete commitments. In numbers, the UDBIE counts with:

The 4 pillars of Balanced and Inclusive Education:

The UDBIE is categorised into 5 sections:

Intraculturalism

An approach based upon an in-dept cultural introspection for a more complete understanding of inter-indebtedness and interdependence of cultures

Dialecticism

An interactional and synergetic approach based upon problem-posing dialogue and critical exchange, for free and critical thinking through the proactive participation of learners

International Cooperation

A recognition of the need, in an interconnected world, for international, cross-sectoral South-South and North-South platforms based upon equality amongst parties, equity in their relations, and solidarity instead of charity

Transdisciplinarity

An integrative multi-perspective approach based upon interconnecting both academic as well as non-academic knowledge domains for a complex and holistic understanding of the world

Contextuality

A context-centred approach based upon the integration and adaptation to the realities, values, and interpretive frameworks of the learners, to develop their sense of co-ownership and co-creation

The UDBIE respond to the needs of individuals and communities, as well as international, national, and local aspirations, necessities, priorities, realities, and challenges by anticipating human, social, and economic sustainable development. Accordingly, to commit to BIE is to provide education systems with the means to be at the service of national development priorities and aspirations, as well as to become more efficient and capable of providing quality education for all.

This event signifies more than a commemoration of the past: it’s a call to action for the future, towards a true and fresh start in education and beyond. Join us on 29^th January for a day of reflection, dialogue, and commitment to transformative education.