by ACEI

We recognize that 2015 is a particularly transformative year for the global education community as we reflect upon the progress made toward meeting Education for All and the Millennium Development Goals and work to position education as central to the emerging Sustainable Development Goals. During this era of rapid change in education at the global and local levels, it is important to promote approaches and initiatives that advance not only educational equity, access, and quality, but also the education sector as a whole.

Since 2009, the Association for Childhood Education International (ACEI) has been developing the emerging concept of Education Diplomacy. While the definition of the term is evolving, it is helpful to think of Education Diplomacy as a framework of knowledge, skills, and competencies that contribute to positive diplomatic processes and interactions among multiple participants at multiple levels. This includes classroom teachers, school administrators, civil society, and ministry officials. Ultimately, education diplomacy aims to shape the policy environment for education and manage issues of education on a local, regional, or global level.   

To that end, ACEI recently hosted the Institute for Global Education Diplomacy in Washington, D.C. Participants from South Africa, Nepal, Nigeria, Peru, and other nations came together to explore the concept and hone the skills they need to use Education Diplomacy to advance their own work. They also had the opportunity to draw a comparison between education diplomacy and advocacy. Watch the Institute highlights video to learn more about this exciting collaborative learning event. Videos of select Institute sessions are available on our YouTube page.

If the goal of ensuring equity, quality, and access in education is one you share, Education Diplomacy can help advance your work. We are currently developing an Education Diplomacy course, scheduled to debut this fall. In the meantime, sign up for email alerts at our website, and host your own Education Diplomacy Day to explore the concept and its applications in your community.

To learn more about Education Diplomacy, visit the Center for Global Education Diplomacy. 

ACEI is a global community of educators and advocates who unite knowledge, experience, and perspectives in order to exchange information, explore innovation and advocate for children.