Maia Kobakhidze, the President of the ESFTUG and Vice Presidents Mari Alugishvili and Natia Kordzadze, took part in the Eighth World Congress of Education International (EI) in Bangkok, Thailand.
The largest international trade union of education workers - the Education International (EI) has a 25-year history. Worldwide, the EI represents the 32 million-member votes in a union of education organizations from 150 countries.
Since 2000, the Educators and Scientists Free Trade Union of Georgia has been the voice of the staff of Georgian educational institutions internationally. At the EI’s 8th World Congress in 2019, 1400 delegates from education trade unions were present. EI delegates and trade union leaders summarized the four-year period and processes around the world before honorable guest, social partners and international organizations, challenges and needs in the field of education were discussed, along with strategic directions for the subsequent reporting period on global or local issues.
Prior to the official opening of the World Congress in Bangkok, congress delegates were discussing a wide range of topics in a variety of formats, blocks, roundtables or "education corners." The purpose of the congressional events was not only to share experiences and hear reports, but also to develop further partnerships between organizations and to discuss draft resolutions to advocate for common interests.
Prior to EI's 2019 congress, the topics discussed in small groups were specific to human rights, trade union activities, women's rights, support and education, including higher and vocational education.
Social partners and representatives of international organizations were also invited to discuss the challenges linked to gender and aboriginality, in general, fundamental human rights, children's rights and climate change and other topics.
At the plenary sessions, delegates discussed and adopted global resolutions on the rights of women and girls, all forms of bullying, the role and mechanisms of education trade unions for the elimination of violence, the extension of human and trade union rights, and the importance of education in democratic processes.
Delegates and invited guests of the conference of the largest member-based international organization, the Education International, were welcomed by prominent education activists and heads of international organizations.
Education International was founded 25 years ago. Its goal is to unite the forces of the world, help and support, advocate education around the world is an independent, free trade unions efforts. Delegates to the 2019 congressional vote gave EI President Susan Hopgood a further four-year mandate, and elected David Edwards as secretary-general.
Also, in accordance with the norms of the EI Charter and gender equality, with the four-year mandate, the world regional representatives are elected to the Education International of the Executive Board.