The Future of the Right to Education: Make Mothers Matter at UNESCO to Bring Parents’ Voices Forward

A Key Moment to Reaffirm Global Commitments

This event marked:

• The conclusion of the 11th consultation on the 1960 Convention
• The launch of the 2025 Global Report on the Right to Education

The symposium provided an opportunity to assess progress made, identify persistent gaps, and define pathways for action to strengthen a human-rights-based approach to education, through 2030 and beyond.

A Space for Global Dialogue

The event brought together:

• Representatives of Member States and permanent delegations
• UN agencies and intergovernmental organizations
• NGOs and civil society
• Social partners
• Young people and students
• Educators, researchers, and experts

Objective: To mobilise new commitments and strengthen partnerships to guarantee the right to education for all, in line with Sustainable Development Goal 4 (SDG 4).

MMM Brings the Voice of Parents

Brigitte Marais, Head of the MMM UNESCO Team, spoke to convey testimonies from MMM member associations actively working on the ground:

AJAD, EALE, Fondation Hubi & Vinciane, Life for African Mothers, Fundación Isadora Duncan, Mothers for Peace, Glow Movement NPO, Mothers at Home Matter, Mothers Matter Canada, Mulheres A Obra, Otitsara, Sœurs Augustine du Saint Esprit and Viallaite.

What Parents Are Saying: Education Must Change Now

Through a consultation conducted with parents from 13 countries across different regions, MMM relayed a unanimous message: education must adapt to today’s challenges.

1. Progress, but Still Too Many Children Excluded

“School must truly become a school for everyone.”

2. Education Oriented Toward Real Life

Parents want schools to develop life skills, adaptability, digital skills, and understanding of AI.

“Preparing our children for a changing world must become the priority.”

3. Parents as Primary Partners in Education

Parents often detect the first signs of bullying or learning difficulties and are calling to be fully integrated into education systems.

“The future of education cannot be built without us.”

4. Persistent Inequalities, especially in Africa

Lack of infrastructure, insufficient teacher training, and menstrual insecurity are major obstacles – particularly for girls.
Yet educating girls has a direct impact on future generations: an educated mother passes education on to her children.

“No girl should ever miss school – let alone drop out – due to a lack of adequate facilities.”

5. Clear Priorities

– Ensure girls’ access to education
– Value and train teachers
– Modernise curricula
– Support families
– Reduce the digital divide

“Supporting families means building a stronger society. Educating girls means changing the future.”

An Important Recognition: MMM Invited by the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights

Following her intervention, Brigitte Marais was invited by the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights to contribute to the development of the Early Childhood Care and Education (ECCE) Guiding Principles – an essential recognition of the role of mothers in education from the earliest years.