The year 2020 has been one of the most challenging in recent history. With over 90% of the global student population out of school at the height of the pandemic, education has been severely impacted by the spread of Covid-19.

During these trying times, teachers everywhere mobilised and rose to the enormous challenge at hand. Working together to find solutions for remote teaching and learning - and undertaking tasks such as distributing meals, books, and even internet connections - teachers have gone above and beyond to ensure that education continues. They have played a vital role in guiding their students and communities through this unprecedented crisis.

David Edwards, Education International General Secretary, stated, "Teachers have been absolutely outstanding during these incredibly hard times. Now is the time to stand together because together we have the power to effect real change in the world. We are the teaching and learning profession. If the world is to learn the lessons of the pandemic, teachers must take the lead. On 05 October, we are getting started."
The Education International World Teachers' Day event will feature segments highlighting the specific priorities of teachers and their unions in Asia Pacific, Africa, the Arab countries, Europe, Latin America, North America, and the Caribbean. The broadcast will also include global dialogues and interventions from key actors shaping the education sector, including United Nations officials, Ministers of Education and Presidents.

The event will start in the morning of 05 October in the Asia Pacific region and will wrap up 24 hours later in North America and the Caribbean.