Geneva, 17th June 2026
The Geneva Open Consultation on Educational Pluralism brought together international experts, policymakers, and civil society representatives to develop guiding principles on how educational pluralism can support the right to education.
The first Open Consultation on Educational Pluralism convened in Geneva last week, bringing together leading experts in education, human rights, public policy, and international development to examine and develop the guiding principles on Educational Pluralism.
The consultation gathered a diverse group of participants from across regions and areas, including distinguished figures such as Nuno Crato, ex Minister of Education of Portugal, Ashley Berner and David Steiner from the Johns Hopkins University, Harry Patrinos, Professor of the University of Arkansas, Alexandra Xanthaki, Special Rapporteur on Cultural Rights and Farida Shaheed, Special Rapporteur on the Right of Education, alongside academics, policymakers, representatives of international organizations, and members of civil society.
The discussion focused on the development and examination of the Guiding Principles on Educational Pluralism. Participants examined the respective roles and obligations of States, parents, educational providers, and civil society actors in creating environments where educational variety can contribute to the fulfilment of every learner’s right to education. The exchanges were grounded in a shared commitment to placing the learner at the center of education policy and practice.
Participants explored educational pluralism as a particular dimension of the right to education, recognizing the value of fostering diverse educational approaches within frameworks that ensure quality and accountability.Participants also highlighted the need for a shared framework that can support international organizations and States in advancing policies and practices that respect, promote, and effectively accommodate educational diversity within education systems.
As the first event in a broader international consultation process, the Geneva meeting represents an important milestone in strengthening global engagement on educational pluralism and its relationship to human rights.
The insights and recommendations emerging from the discussions will inform the next stage of the initiative, including the forthcoming European Open Consultation on Educational Pluralism to be held in Paris on 7th July 2026. The next Open Consultations will be in Buenos Aires, Johannesburg and Washington D.C.