Rome, 24 January (LaPresse) – ‘Education is a fundamental human right and a public good, an essential lever for creating cohesive, participatory and democratic societies. It is a force that sets us free to think, act and live.’ These were the words of the President of the Republic, Sergio Mattarella, on International Education Day. ‘Education has been a formidable engine of growth and transformation in human history, contributing significantly to the affirmation of human dignity and rights,’ said the head of state. In a context marked by profound changes, education is called upon to renew itself in order to continue to fulfil its function as a tool for removing economic and social obstacles which, by limiting the freedom and equality of citizens, prevent the full development of the human person and effective participation in the political, economic and social organisation of the country. International Education Day 2026, promoted by the United Nations, recognises and values the role of young people as co-creators of modern and inclusive education systems that are capable of responding to their aspirations and providing them, alongside tools for understanding reality, with the skills to take concrete action and become protagonists in society.