Almost six decades have passed since the adoption of the 1966 Recommendation, while almost three have passed in the case of the 1997 Recommendation.
Teachers from early childhood to higher education are now navigating rapidly changing professional environments in an ever-shifting education landscape. The education sector has been substantially reshaped by the rise of digital technologies, including artificial intelligence; changes in curricula, including a stronger focus on sustainable development; societal expectations; learning crises; and teacher shortages.
Other challenges – such as climate change, migration and forced displacement, as well as widening inequalities and discrimination – are also transforming both schools and universities and affecting the daily realities of teaching personnel. These transformations underscore the urgency to strengthen and update the global normative framework that defines the status, rights, responsibilities and working conditions of teachers.
Recognizing the magnitude of change affecting education systems and the teaching profession, the UNESCO General Conference, in its 43 C/73 Resolution, called for a revision of both Recommendations (the ILO Governing Body in November 2025 decided to revise the 1966 Recommendation). The objective is to ensure that these instruments reflect contemporary realities, address emerging challenges, point toward a common and ambitious future, and further strengthen teaching as a respected, protected and collaborative profession.
In 2027, a special Intergovernmental Conference will examine and adopt the revised text of the 1966 Recommendation, and a special Committee meeting will approve the draft revision of the 1997 Recommendation before its submission to the UNESCO General Conference at its 44th session.
Follow the revision process
The revision of the 1966 and 1997 Recommendations marks an important moment to strengthen the global framework governing the status of teachers and higher-education teaching personnel. Ensuring transparency, inclusiveness and broad engagement will be central throughout the process.
The first meeting of the Independent Expert Groups will mark the formal launch of the technical phase of the revision. During this meeting, members will examine and adopt the draft Terms of Reference, elect the Chairperson and Vice-Chairperson, and begin an initial exchange on proposed revisions to the text.
Stakeholders are encouraged to follow the process closely and remain engaged as consultations progress over the coming months. Further opportunities for dialogue and input will be announced on the dedicated webpages. We invite you to stay connected and to contribute to shaping the future global framework for the teaching profession.
READ MORE: https://www.unesco.org/en/articles/unesco-revises-landmark-1966-and-1997-recommendations-status-teaching-personnel?hub=701
