“The first day at school is one of those experiences that you will never forget.” This is what my parents told me on that mild August morning in 2002 as I headed to my very first day at school. As a young boy, I absorbed these words with bright eyes. “School” means meeting new friends and learning to read, write, do arithmetic, and better understand the world. In short, school prepares one for life in this wonderful world.
The fact that this world is made up of so many different cultures and traditions came to my mind while watching the 2002 FIFA World Cup, as I sat in front of the television together with my family in our living room. So many countries, emotions, and happy people! Four weeks later, the day had come! My first day at school. Finally, I started to understand the world around me with my friends, some of whom were from different countries. I also began to learn that not everyone in the world has a chance to go to school. Over the years, my thirst for knowledge grew, as did my dream. My dream is that every child on this earth can have the chance to attend school and benefit from a quality education.
Education is like seeds in a flower bed, and the SDGs are the flowers that grow from those seeds—but only with time and care. Education is the key to success, our own happiness, and the happiness of the people around us. Education is the source of a positive synergy for people of all ages and backgrounds. Through education, many positive things can be achieved together.
At the OSCE Youth Forum 2019 in Bratislava, I had the opportunity to discuss this topic and share different ways of thinking with dynamic people from over 60 countries. This helped me understand the world a little bit better. We all came together because we have been able to benefit from education from a young age. I felt confirmed in my belief that education leads to new friendships, opens up a person’s spirituality, and awakens the desire to continue to educate oneself.
On that windy October morning in Bratislava, I was as excited as I was on my first day at school. But I know that getting together with young leaders from around the world and discussing this critical issue of quality education is just the starting point of the path toward achieving my dream.