The 10th World Congress of Education International (EI) will be held to address pressing issues in education, including teacher shortages, well-being, the implications of technology and artificial intelligence and take action on the pay, conditions and job security of teachers around the world.
In the statement released by Dr Mugwena Maluleke, the South African Democratic Teachers' Union (SADTU) said it is proud to be part of global gathering of educators taking place in Buenos Aires, Argentina, from July 29 to August 2.
The congress, themed "Growing our Unions, Elevating our Professions, Defending Democracy", brings together over 1,400 delegates from teacher and education workers’ unions across about 178 countries.
The EI, a global federation representing over 32 million teachers and education support personnel through 383 member organisations, spans from pre-school to tertiary education in 178 countries and territories.
SADTU, as an EI affiliate, has sent a diverse delegation to the congress, representing basic education, TVET, education support, early childhood education, and student chapters, alongside national and provincial representatives.
Additionally, SADTU has shared its observer allocation with the Department of Basic Education, including the Director General and several Heads of Departments.
The delegation also includes representatives from the South African Council for Educators (SACE), the Education Labour Relations Council (ELRC), the Education, Training and Development Practices (ETDP) SETA, education expert Professor Mary Metcalfe, and Dr Veronique Genniker, who has supported SADTU in addressing learner and teacher mental wellness.
The South African delegation is keen to engage in discussions on shaping early childhood, basic, further, and higher education, SADTU said.
The congress provides a platform for experts and activists in indigenous communities, technology, and curriculum development studies to converge.
The key issues on the agenda include global education, teachers, and education support personnel.
The EI is actively involved in global education campaigns, notably the Go Public, Fund Education campaign, advocating for quality public education, increased funding, and opposition to budget cuts and privatisation in education.
The congress will address teacher shortages - a significant challenge worldwide - and focus on the wellbeing of teachers and education support personnel.
Discussions will explore strategies to support the mental and physical health of educators, essential for maintaining a motivated and effective workforce.
Further deliberations will cover the impact of technology and artificial intelligence in education, alongside integrating indigenous knowledge systems to balance innovation with cultural preservation.
Additionally, progress on the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), aiming for equitable quality education for all, women empowerment and gender equality, will be discussed.
EI has been vocal on the global stage, participating in the United Nations High-Level Panel on the Teaching Profession, addressing global teacher shortages.
The panel, comprising ministers of education, experts, former presidents, academics, and representatives from various sectors, made progressive recommendations urging governments to improve teachers' pay, conditions, job security, and professional development.
It also called for teacher and union involvement in policy-making, equitable education funding, and an end to austerity measures impacting education.
SADTU said it was proud to participate in the EI World Congress and looked forward to contributing to the discussions and promoting positive change in the education sector.
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