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Universal Education


As the first decade in the 21st Century moves forward towards its conclusion in the midst of astonishing technological, scientific, medical and social advancement, humanity’s vision and understanding of the need for education are also elevated to unprecedented heights.

Education is the force behind advancement and the fuel to intellectual empowerment. It is the provision, which feeds the soul with understanding and knowledge and which polishes the intellect to shine with gem-like lustre.

Universal Education is a window to true collective prosperity; a means by which to attain a prejudice-free society tolerant of all nations, religions, races and classes.

Glorious victories have been achieved by humanity in the past century in terms of globalisation, the realisation of the brotherhood of man, and the desire for an equitable world; however how can humankind achieve ultimate liberty and true prosperity if equal opportunity is not given to every man and woman to pursue the learning of the arts and sciences to the best of his or her potential!
On 16 December 1966, the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights was adopted and opened for signature, ratification and accession by the United Nations General Assembly. Article 13 of this Covenant states:
  • The States Parties to the present Covenant recognize the right of everyone to education. They agree that education shall be directed to the full development of the human personality and the sense of its dignity, and shall strengthen the respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms. They further agree that education shall enable all persons to participate effectively in a free society, promote understanding, tolerance and friendship among all nations and all racial, ethnic or religious groups, and further the activities of the United Nations for the maintenance of peace.
  • The States Parties to the present Covenant recognize that, with a view to achieving the full realization of this right:

    (a) Primary education shall be compulsory and available free to all;

    (b) Secondary education in its different forms, including technical and vocational secondary education, shall be made generally available and accessible to all by every appropriate means, and in particular by the progressive introduction of free education;

    (c) Higher education shall be made equally accessible to all, on the basis of capacity, by every appropriate means, and in particular by the progressive introduction of free education;