SVNED, Nigerian Mission lead adoption of January 24 as Education Day at UN

Silicon Valley Nigerian Economic Development, Inc., (SVNED) and Nigerian mission at the United Nations (UN) with support from other nations has spearheaded the adoption of January 24 as the International Day of Education.

According to a statement made available to The Guardian by the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, SVNED, Temitope Ajayi, the resolution was made at the UN headquarters in New York, United States.

The group called on the UN member states, organisations of the UN system, non-governmental organisations, academic institutions, individuals and others to observe every January 24 as the International Day of Education.

The Ambassador and Permanent Representative of Nigeria to the United Nations, Tijjani Muhammad Bande while introducing the resolution to the General Assembly, described education as a critical aspect of sustainable development.

The Nigerian mission referenced the UN’s Millennium Development Goal Four, recognising that education plays a key role in building sustainable and resilient societies.
  
Silicon Valley Chief of Protocol, Deanna Tryon, in her remarks said major Silicon Valley corporations, such as Facebook and Twitter, were already working to help level the playing field for developing nations through improved educational opportunities.

Tryon explained that many Silicon Valley corporations are making efforts worldwide to increase educational opportunities, but wish to expand their outreach where it will do the most good.  

She said her office is serving as a bridge between Silicon Valley and developing nations.  She also referenced American initiatives that support the UN’s goals. 

Tryon further stated that there has never been a UN formal recognition of the importance of education in the global community, and she applauded the UN’s efforts in this regard.

Founder and Executive Director, Global Connections for Women Foundation (GC4W), Lilian Ajayi-Ore who spoke on the need for strengthening public/private partnerships, and pointed to Microsoft Education/Skype in the classroom providing access to digital learning resources for over five million teachers worldwide.

The worldwide Day of Education promotes numerous existing and proposed programmes, and addresses United Nations priorities, including the need for achieving sustainable development. 

According to the sponsors, the international celebration will help ensure inclusive and equitable quality education in all world nations.

All the 193-member nations later voted unanimously to support the resolution, which was introduced by Nigeria and co-sponsored by Ireland, Qatar, and Singapore.  

Other sponsors included the UN Education, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), the Children’s Fund, UN Women, the Collegiate Congress, and others.

The SVNED boss, Ajayi, who advocated for the adoption of the resolution worked with supporters from many nations to achieve the unanimous vote.
 
UNESCO will facilitate the annual observance in collaboration with the education community worldwide.

Other speakers include New York State Assembly member, Jaime R. Williams, Provost, New York University, Ms. Katherine Elizabeth Fleming, Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, Ms. Kalindi Doshi and LinkedIn, Jennifer Dooley Neumaier.