Islamabad: World Teachers’ Day is being observed on October 5 with renewed attention to the support teachers need as education systems face staff shortages, technological change and increasingly demanding classrooms.

This year’s theme, “Standing with teachers”, marks the 60th anniversary of the 1966 recommendation jointly adopted by UNESCO and the International Labour Organization. The recommendation sets international standards for teachers’ training, employment, rights, responsibilities and working conditions.

The day has been observed since 1994. Its purpose includes recognising teachers’ contribution while examining whether they have the resources and professional support needed to educate effectively.

UNESCO identifies pressures involving salaries, workloads, classroom environments and teachers’ ability to influence education policy. Digital technologies, climate change, migration and displacement are also changing what schools require from educators.

The organisation’s Global Report on Teachers projects a shortage of 44 million primary and secondary teachers by 2030. The challenge includes recruiting additional teachers and retaining those already working in the profession.

In Pakistan, President Asif Ali Zardari’s message for the occasion emphasised investment in teacher education, continued professional development and supportive learning environments. Professional development means training that helps teachers improve their skills throughout their careers.

The observance comes as French students protest teacher absences, inadequate resources and overloaded timetables. Their demands illustrate how staffing and working conditions can directly affect the education pupils receive.

UNESCO’s global celebration in Paris is scheduled to include discussions on strengthening the profession and the UNESCO Hamdan Prize for Teacher Development.

The focus is on turning recognition into practical support: preparing teachers properly, helping them remain in the profession and providing conditions in which both educators and students can succeed.