24 January is the United Nations International Day of Education. On Friday morning, Mrs Cameron led an online assembly, during which students reflected on what school life means to them.

On this International Day of Education, we come together to celebrate the incredible power of education to transform lives. Education is not merely about classrooms or textbooks. It's about shaping individuals who can create positive change in the world. As we reflect on today's theme let us remember that every lesson learned brings us closer to a better, more just world.

It is our collective responsibility to ensure that quality education is accessible to all. On this day let us remember that education is a universal right. Together and through education we can build a future that is peaceful, inclusive and sustainable for all.

Education is enshrined in several international treaties and anchored in the basic principles of equality, non-discrimination and the right to a life of dignity. When people are excluded from education this seriously undermines the building of inclusive, participative and harmonious societies. The world is witnessing an unprecedented rise of discrimination, racism, xenophobia and hate speech. Which only education can successfully counter by cultivating human value, understanding, knowledge and skills.

Education is important not just to gain academic qualifications and make lifelong friends but to foster resilience and develop prosperous and peaceful societies.