Unesco, which declared this day in 2018, emphasises that accessible education for all is essential for sustainable development and prosperity in our interconnected world. In the Global South in particular, where the situation is notably complex and precarious, rapid change for improvement cannot be expected unless the necessary transformation is undertaken in the educational system, at all levels, including universities, to provide and ensure quality education. Therefore, access to education and sufficient lifelong opportunities for all must be made a key priority, otherwise, the countries of the Global South can hardly succeed in breaking the poverty cycle that has left a large part of their population living in substandard conditions.

In the year 2024, there is another important dimension that is being highlighted in the context of the International Day of Education. In response to the increasing number of war conflicts in the world, the need to live in peace is particularly underscored. This is precisely what has led to the choice of this year's slogan: 'Learning for lasting peace'.

EPSULA's core objectives are specifically related to the field of education and learning. The primary attention is directed, inter alia, towards higher education, taking into account innovations that will help to increase access to lifelong learning opportunities given to vulnerable groups.