An event that discussed the role of education in promoting fair and sustainable development in the post-pandemic era was held on Wednesday.

Responding to the General Assembly of the United Nations' resolution on the International Day of Education, the 2021 International Day of Education – China Celebration drew participants from China and overseas.

With the theme "Education equality and sustainable development in the post-pandemic era", the event aimed to foster dialogue and communication, and revitalize international partnerships in education.

Tian Xuejun, the vice-minister of education, introduced the role education has played in China's fight against the pandemic, and the nation's achievements in targeted poverty relief through education. He also proposed building a global community of education.

Tijjani Muhammad-Bande, president of the 74th session of the UN General Assembly, and Stefania Giannini, UNESCO assistant director-general for education, stressed the importance of global cooperation in education in a congratulatory video sent to the event.

Representatives from foreign embassies in China, educational institutions, and front-line teachers also made speeches.

In view of the COVID-19 pandemic, the event sought to not only establish a communication platform for education in the post-pandemic era, but also encouraged all stakeholders to step up international solidarity and place education and lifelong learning at the heart of the recovery and toward the realization of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.

The 2021 International Day of Education – China Celebration was co-hosted by China Education Association for International Exchange, and Beijing Normal University.