Students unite in a global pledge to #FundOurFuture
Today, a new initiative for student activists has been launched with the aim of creating a global campaigning platform around the struggle to provide free, accessible education for all. Free campaign materials and resources for activists are available on the new website www.globalstudentvoice.org.
During the upcoming weeks, focused around the International Students’ Day on 17th November, protests, demonstrations, and other actions will take place locally as part of a global education funding campaign- #FundOurFuture.
The website is part of a larger attempt to support student unions worldwide in their campaigning efforts and to raise awareness among society at large around the importance of free, quality education. The efforts are in line with the UN Sustainable Development Goal 4 and the Bergen Declaration, signed in May 2016 by the European Students’ Union along with student activists from the from South America, North America, Europe, Africa, Asia, and the Pacific.
The website will be updated on a continual basis, as a collaborative effort to exchange ideas, inspiration for campaigns, and evidence for arguments on the issue of funding of education. Student activists, civil society organisations, higher education professionals and supporting individuals are encouraged to sign the pledge for accessible education and share it among their networks. The petition will be used by national students’ unions and movements to support their national campaigns and causes – demonstrating the support received worldwide for a shared commitment to #FundOurFuture
“Education is the pillar upon which modern society is built, playing a central role in social and economic development, democratic empowerment, and the advancement of the general well-being of society. With this campaign we are not only supporting students to access resources to debunk common misconceptions around education funding, but importantly, providing a platform where student activists from around the world can share best practice, support, and solidarity. A truly international initiative that strengthens local struggles, and demonstrates the power of the student cooperation.” says Beth Button, Executive Committee Member, European Students’ Union.
Background Information:
The campaign is initiated by the European Students’ Union with the support of student activists from North America, South America and Africa.
Bergen Declaration – is a global declaration drafted by student activists in May 2016 with the aim to increase cooperation between student organisations.
About European Students’ Union
The European Students’ Union (ESU) is the umbrella organisation of 45 National Unions of Students (NUS) from 38 countries. The aim of ESU is to represent and promote the educational, social, economic and cultural interests of students at the European level towards all relevant bodies and in particular the European Union, Bologna Follow Up Group, Council of Europe and UNESCO. Through its members, ESU represents around 15 million students in Europe.
For more information, please contact:
Beth Button, Executive Committee Member, beth.button@esu-online.org
Alexandra Antonescu, Communications Manager, alexandra.antonescu@esu-online.org
