Ei-iE

Education International (EI) has been awarded the 2026 AOb Academy Kiss, an annual recognition presented by the General Education Union (AOb) in the Netherlands

This year’s theme, "connection", highlights EI’s longstanding commitment to strengthening global trade union networks and advancing solidarity across borders. EI represents more than 33 million teachers and education personnel worldwide.

Celebrating Connection Across Borders

Each year on Valentine’s Day, the AOb awards the Academy Kiss to an individual or organisation championing academic values. EI joins a diverse group of past recipients, including the Dutch academic rights movement WOinActie.

“EI is a real connector,” said Iris Schaap, AOb Regional Director for Scientific Education & Research and member of the award’s organising committee. “We found EI to be a standout in this area. We can learn a lot from how they approach and adopt issues, because they often see international trends that we can translate to our national situation. Although we already collaborate extensively, of course, because the AOb is a member of EI.”

Dominique Marlet, EI’s Senior Coordinator for Human and Trade Union Rights, accepted the award at the AOb headquarters. “This is fantastic recognition for the work we do,” said Marlet. “An award like this helps increase the visibility of our work.”

EI’s global reach spans 180 countries, linking education unions across every level of the education system, from early childhood education to higher education. “We have regional offices worldwide, including in North and South America, Asia, Africa, Europe, the Arab States, and the Caribbean,” Marlet explained. “Only in China and the Gulf States, where there are no independent unions, is EI not represented.”

Promoting Rights, Solidarity, and Collective Power

EI's work focuses on protecting and advancing the human and trade union rights of teachers and education union leaders around the world. “We worked on a campaigns in Iran, Ukraine, Afghanistan, Palestine, and Syria. In the latter country, we stood up for public, secular education.

We launched a campaign for this, and then I spoke to the Dutch authorities, for example, about what's happening there. It increases solidarity and shows you what's happening in another country. We received praise from Syria because we discussed the topic, put it on the agenda, and even though nothing changes immediately, they know we stand in solidarity and that they can call on us if necessary. Something like that means a lot, especially because we are united around the same profession: teaching students.”

Beyond advocacy, EI’s work also includes concrete support in times of crisis. “In Gaza, we provided training that gives teachers emotional support, which they can also use with their students. We also offer direct support through monetary donations.” EI has also mobilised solidarity responses after natural disasters, such as hurricanes in the Caribbean.

At the policy level, EI brings education unions together to influence global decision making. At the UN in 2022, EI participated in high level discussions on the teaching profession, resulting in 59 recommendations on issues including academic freedom, teacher shortages, and elevating the status of the profession. “We’re very proud of that, and it applies to all countries and members,” Marlet said. making. At the United Nations in 2022, EI participated in high level discussions on the teaching profession, resulting in 59 recommendations on issues including academic freedom, teacher shortages, and elevating the status of the profession. “We’re very proud of that, and it applies to all countries and members,” Marlet said.

A Growing Movement

Marlet sees EI’s collective strength as more vital than ever. “We see that, especially in this divided world, more teachers and other educational professionals want to be part of a powerful collective movement. The idea of being stronger together and the collective power you have as a group to fight for human values, solidarity, and human rights is particularly appealing to many people right now.”

Previous Academy Kiss Recipients

Earlier recipients of the AOb Academy Kiss include Marie José van Tol and Kees Storm, honoured for their work on equality and reducing hierarchy in academia, and Susanne Täuber, who received the 2023 award for her advocacy for academic freedom.