The United Nations has called for improved teachers’ welfare, working conditions and professional development, warning that education transformation depends on a teaching workforce that is respected, supported and equipped to meet the changing needs of learners.
UN Resident Coordinator George Wachira said teachers should be recognised as key partners in education reforms and given opportunities to develop their skills, advance professionally and participate in decisions affecting their work.
Wachira’s remarks were delivered by UNICEF Acting Representative Ruben Pages during the National Teachers’ Day Commemoration and National Teachers’ Awards held at the Metropolitan Evangelical Church in Manzini on Friday, October 9, 2026.
Held under the theme, “Standing with Teachers: 60 Years of Protecting the Profession, Advancing its Status and Shaping our Futures,” the event marked 60 years since the adoption of the 1966 UNESCO/ILO Recommendation concerning the Status of Teachers, which recognises educators’ essential role in fulfilling the right to education.
Wachira said teachers’ professional standing, wellbeing and conditions of service should reflect their contribution to society and national development.
“Behind every achievement in public service, healthcare, business, science or innovation is a teacher who helped unlock human potential,” he said.
He noted that teachers’ responsibilities extended beyond delivering lessons, as they also helped learners develop critical thinking, problem-solving abilities and values necessary for meaningful participation in society.
According to Wachira, investing in teachers was equally an investment in sustainable development, as quality education contributed to healthier populations, inclusive economies, gender equality and resilient communities.
However, he raised concerns over the challenges confronting teachers, including excessive workloads, limited professional development opportunities, wellbeing concerns and inadequate professional recognition.
He called for clearer career progression pathways, continuous professional training and supportive working environments to strengthen the profession and make teaching more attractive.
Wachira also emphasised the need to equip teachers with technology, connectivity and digital skills to prepare learners for a future increasingly influenced by artificial intelligence, climate pressures and changing labour markets.
While emerging technologies could expand access to learning, he stressed that they should complement rather than replace teachers’ expertise, mentorship and human connection with learners.
He said education systems also needed to nurture creativity, communication, digital literacy, ethical judgement and emotional wellbeing to help learners navigate future opportunities and challenges.
Wachira further called for stronger dialogue between Government, policymakers, teachers and their representative organisations on professional welfare, curriculum development and education reforms.
He said teachers should be actively involved in decisions affecting their working conditions and the quality of education.
His remarks followed Eswatini’s hosting of the Pan-African Conference on Teacher Education 2026 earlier in the week, which brought together education leaders, policymakers, educators and teacher associations from across Africa.
Wachira said the conference reinforced the importance of strengthening the teaching profession to advance quality education and support the African Union’s Agenda 2063 and the United Nations’ 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.
He urged the government, educational institutions, teacher organisations, communities, development partners and the private sector to strengthen partnerships aimed at improving teachers’ welfare and professional development.
The United Nations, he said, remained committed to supporting Eswatini’s efforts to improve education quality and outcomes.
Wachira also congratulated the newly elected leadership of the National Teachers Association, expressing hope that it would continue advancing teachers’ welfare, professionalism and quality teaching.
He thanked teachers across the country for their dedication and resilience, noting that their daily efforts continued to shape learners’ lives and the nation’s future.
“By investing in teachers and valuing their expertise, we strengthen education and create the foundation for a more inclusive, prosperous and sustainable future,” he said.
