OIEC is represented in international institutions in Paris, Geneva, Strasbourg and New York by its transversal representation team (ETR), coordinated by Michel Bertet.

Role and Mission

The OIEC ( International Office of Catholic Education), founded in 1952, acts as an NGO accredited to major international organisations, with a consultative role. Its main objective is to defend and promote Catholic education as a fundamental right, while contributing to debates on key issues such as freedom of education, inclusive education and children’s rights. Its mission is based on the Church’s social teaching and the educational experience of its vast worldwide network.

Objectives and Strategic Actions

The OIEC advocates quality education accessible to all, aligned with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), and seeks to promote values of humanism in solidarity. In collaboration with other NGOs and institutions, it works to maximise collective impact and raise awareness of contemporary educational challenges within the international community. The OIEC takes an active part in international debates to influence education policies, defend the right to education and freedom of education, while bearing witness to the realities on the ground. It also contributes to discussions on human rights and the future of education at major international summits.

Organisations in which the OIEC is present:

United Nations (UN)

• • • New York headquarters: Participation in the ECOSOC Partnership Forum and collaboration with UNICEF.
    • Geneva headquarters: Focus on the Human Rights Council, in particular through the Universal Periodic Review (UPR) mechanism, to denounce violations of the right to education.

UNESCO

• • • Contribution to global education projects such as ‘Education for All’ and ‘The Future of Education’.
    • Partnership with the Mission of the Holy See and educational NGOs, participation in the annual meetings of the International Conference of NGOs (CIONG).

Council of Europe

• • • Participatory status within the Conference of INGOs.
    • Involvement in committees on education for democracy, inter-religious dialogue and social rights.

International Forum of Catholic Inspired NGOs

• • • Working closely with like-minded NGOs to strengthen the Catholic presence in international debates.
    • Active participation in General Assemblies and local platforms in New York and Geneva.

In order to follow the activity of this representation team, and to understand how the interests and needs of Catholic schools are represented, a newsletter is published regularly. You will now find it in the OIEC Newsletter.