Reaffirming a Global Commitment to Education

Education has long been recognised as a cornerstone of human development, democratic stability, and social progress. At the turn of the 21st century, amid growing globalisation and widening inequalities, the Education Charter International (ECI) emerged as a values-based global call to action.

Developed between 1999 and 2003 and promoted through the CCLP Worldwide platform, the Charter called upon governments, educational institutions, civil society, and citizens worldwide to recognise education as a public good and a shared global responsibility.

More than two decades later, education systems face challenges that are deeper, more complex, and more interconnected than ever before. In response, Education Charter International (ECI) 2026+ has been released as a Public Consultation Draft, inviting global participation in shaping its renewed framework.

---

Why a Renewal Is Necessary in 2026

While the founding principles of the original Charter remain relevant, the context in which education operates has fundamentally changed.

Key global shifts include:

• Digital transformation and artificial intelligence are reshaping learning, assessment, and knowledge creation
• Skills disruption, demanding continuous reskilling and lifelong learning
• Persistent inequities in access, quality, and educational outcomes
• Climate change and sustainability require education systems to build civic and ecological resilience
• Ethical risks, including misinformation, data misuse, and excessive commercialisation of education

The renewal of the Education Charter International is not an abandonment of its past—but a responsible evolution to address present and future realities.

---

What Is Education Charter International (ECI) 2026+?

ECI 2026+ is a voluntary, non-binding, non-regulatory global framework that reaffirms shared values and responsibilities in education.

It is:

• Not a law or treaty
• Not an accreditation or ranking system
• Not a replacement for national education policies

Instead, it serves as a moral and civic reference point—encouraging ethical conduct, inclusion, integrity, and cooperation across education systems worldwide.

---

Education as a Lifelong Continuum

A defining feature of ECI 2026+ is its recognition of education as a lifelong continuum, encompassing:

School Education (K–12)

Foundational learning, equity, safety, citizenship, and holistic development.

Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET)

Skills development, employability, livelihood security, and dignity of work.

Higher Education and Universities

Academic integrity, research, teacher education, and intellectual leadership.
Universities are recognised as ethical and intellectual anchors within the education ecosystem.

Lifelong Learning

Adult education, reskilling, civic participation, and continuous personal growth.

These pathways are interconnected and mutually reinforcing, not hierarchical.

---

Reaffirmed Founding Principles

The renewed Charter continues to be grounded in six universal principles that remain unchanged from the original formulation:

1. Equality – Education must be inclusive and accessible to all
2. Accountability – All actors in education bear responsibility for ethical conduct
3. Integrity – Education systems must be protected from corruption and misuse
4. Solidarity – Education is a shared global responsibility
5. Courage – Reform requires the willingness to challenge harmful practices
6. Justice – Education should promote social fairness and democratic participation

These principles form the constitutional core of ECI 2026+.

---

Universities as Ethical and Intellectual Anchors

ECI 2026+ places special emphasis on the role of universities—not as regulators, but as anchors of integrity and knowledge.

Their responsibilities include:

• Advancing ethical research and academic freedom
• Educating teachers, professionals, and future leaders
• Guiding responsible use of digital technologies and AI
• Supporting school education, TVET, and lifelong learning systems

This anchoring role strengthens the entire education ecosystem while respecting institutional autonomy.

---

How Participation Works

Engagement with ECI 2026+ follows a transparent, tiered framework:

• Endorse – Public alignment with Charter values
• Adopt – Policy alignment and action planning
• Implement – Evidence-based practice and voluntary reflection

Participation is voluntary, non-commercial, and safeguarded against misuse.

---

The Role of the Public Consultation

The ECI 2026+ Public Consultation invites feedback from:

• Governments and public authorities
• Universities and education systems
• Schools and TVET institutions
• Civil society organisations and NGOs
• Educators, researchers, learners, parents, and citizens

The consultation aims to:

• Improve clarity and relevance
• Ensure global applicability across diverse contexts
• Strengthen shared ownership of the renewed Charter

All feedback is reviewed and may be summarised anonymously to inform the final release.

---

Preserving Continuity While Enabling Change

The original Education Charter International remains preserved as a foundational historical document. During the consultation period:

• No new endorsements are being accepted under the older Charter framework
• Governance structures and titles are archived to ensure neutrality
• A renewed governance framework will be constituted following the consultation

This approach ensures institutional continuity, transparency, and credibility.

---

An Invitation to Engage

Education Charter International (ECI) 2026+ represents a collective opportunity to reflect on the role of education in shaping just, inclusive, and sustainable societies.

CCLP Worldwide invites all stakeholders to:

• Review the Public Consultation Draft
• Share perspectives and insights
• Contribute to shaping the final Charter

Education’s future is a shared responsibility—and its renewal must be shaped collectively.

---

Disclaimer

Education Charter International (ECI) 2026+ is a voluntary, non-binding framework. It does not confer accreditation, certification, ranking status, or regulatory authority.