CCLP Worldwide Launches Global Public Consultation on Education Charter International 2026+

A renewed call to shape the future of education as a shared global responsibility

In a significant step toward reimagining global education for the decades ahead, CCLP Worldwide has formally launched the Public Consultation phase for Education Charter International (ECI) 2026+, inviting feedback from governments, universities, schools, educators, civil society organisations, and citizens worldwide.

The consultation marks the renewal of an international education charter international first developed between 1999 and 2003, a period when global education systems were grappling with widening inequality, democratic erosion, corruption, and a growing disconnect between education and societal needs. More than twenty years later, the challenges have evolved—but the need for a shared ethical framework has only intensified.

Why the Education Charter International Is Being Renewed Now

Since the early 2000s, education systems across the world have undergone a profound transformation. Rapid technological change, the rise of artificial intelligence, climate pressures, workforce disruption, and growing demands for lifelong learning have reshaped how societies think about education.

Recognising these shifts, CCLP Worldwide has undertaken a structured reconstruction of the Education Charter International—designed to ensure its continued relevance while preserving its foundational principles.

According to CCLP Worldwide, the renewed Charter reflects both continuity and responsibility: continuity with the original values, and responsibility toward the realities facing learners and institutions today.

Education as a Lifelong Continuum

A defining feature of the ECI 2026+ Public Consultation Draft is its clear articulation of education as a lifelong continuum, rather than a series of disconnected stages.

The framework explicitly encompasses:

School Education (K–12): Emphasising equity, citizenship, safety, and foundational learning
Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET): Focusing on skills development, employability, livelihood security, and the dignity of work
Higher Education and Universities: Recognised as ethical and intellectual anchors, responsible for academic integrity, research, and teacher education
Lifelong Learning: Supporting adult education, reskilling, civic participation, and continuous personal development

By integrating these pathways, the Charter aims to promote coherence, inclusion, and shared responsibility across education systems.

Universities as Ethical and Intellectual Anchors

One of the most discussed aspects of ECI 2026+ is the recognition of universities as ethical and intellectual anchors within the education ecosystem.

Rather than placing universities above other education pathways, the Charter acknowledges their unique role in:

Advancing research and knowledge creation
Educating teachers and professionals
Guiding ethical use of emerging technologies, including AI
Supporting schools, TVET institutions, and lifelong learning initiatives

This anchoring role is intended to strengthen integrity and leadership across the entire education continuum.

What ECI 2026+ Is—and Is Not

CCLP Worldwide has emphasised that Education Charter International 2026+ is a voluntary, non-binding framework, designed to guide values and shared responsibilities rather than impose rules.

The Charter:

Is not a law, treaty, or policy mandate
Is not an accreditation, certification, or ranking system
Does not replace national education policies or institutional autonomy

Instead, it serves as a coalition-based global reference point for ethical, inclusive, and future-ready education.

A Transparent Participation Model

To encourage responsible engagement, the renewed Charter introduces a tiered participation model:

Endorse – Public alignment with the Charter’s values
Adopt – Policy alignment and institutional action planning
Implement – Evidence-based practice, reflection, and voluntary reporting

Participation is non-commercial and includes safeguards to prevent misuse or misrepresentation.

Purpose of the Public Consultation

The public consultation seeks structured feedback on:

The relevance and clarity of the renewed Charter
Its scope across K–12, TVET, higher education, and lifelong learning
The practicality of the adoption and implementation framework
Language, inclusivity, and global applicability

Feedback received during this phase will inform the final release of Education Charter International 2026+.

An Invitation to the Global Education Community

CCLP Worldwide has invited participation from:

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

In a statement accompanying the launch, CCLP Worldwide noted:

“The Education Charter International was never intended to be static. Its renewal reflects both continuity and responsibility—honouring its origins while responding thoughtfully to the realities of education today. This public consultation is an invitation to shape a shared global framework, not to impose one.”

About CCLP Worldwide

CCLP Worldwide is an international education and civil-society organisation committed to advancing ethical, inclusive, and sustainable education through research, dialogue, and global cooperation. It serves as the custodian of the Education Charter International and convenes stakeholders across education systems worldwide.