Education union leaders tackled a number of strategic issues of key importance for both the global education sector and education unions. In addition, the Board adopted a series of resolutions denouncing violence and attacks on democracy.
The 55th meeting of Education International’s Executive Board took place in Brussels from 19 to 21 November. The Board worked to develop strategies to ensure quality education for all, fight privatisation in and of education, defend human and trade union rights, protect democracy, stimulate trade union renewal and more. Key dates and events to advance the global education agenda were also discussed.
In a special session, the EI Board heard from the Vice-President of the Hong Kong Professional Teachers’ Union (HKPTU), Ip Kin-Yuen, who shared insights into the dire situation in Hong Kong. The Board reaffirmed its support for HKPTU and urged the Hong Kong administration to protect its citizens and engage in a dialogue on their legitimate demands. This is a direct follow-up to the Resolution on solidarity with Hong Kong adopted at the 8th EI World Congress, in which EI and its members organisations pledged to support the values of equality, dignity, democracy, justice and liberties in Hong Kong.
The Board also discussed and passed resolutions on three issues of particular importance:
- Resolution encouraging all governments to ratify ILO Convention 190 on violence and harassment in the world of work as a matter of urgency and mobilising EI member organisations to advocate for the ratification;
- Resolution condemning the coup in Bolivia;
- Resolution on the situation in Chile.
Executive Board members attended a special screening of The Teachers’ Protest– a documentary about Norwegian teachers and their stand against Nazi propaganda in schools during the Second World War. The special guest of the screening was Jon Seal, the film’s producer and director.