A group of former world leaders has warned that a waning respect for the teaching profession could lead to “profoundly damaging” effects on young people’s life chances and fuel a rise in extremism.
In an open letter sent on 29 May to education ministers around the world, former leaders from Africa, the Middle East, Asia-Pacific, the Americas, and Europe say that a “declining respect for teachers” will “weaken teaching, damage the learning opportunities for millions and ultimately weaken societies around the world”.
They are calling on governments around the world to protect and value teachers, and play their part in restoring the respect that teachers “so richly deserve”.
The letter has been published by the Varkey Foundation and the Club de Madrid, which represents former presidents and prime ministers from around the world.
You can read the letter in its entirety here