The Pre-Summit of the Summit on the Transformation of Education, organized by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), is being held in Paris from June 28 to 30.

Afterwards, Minister Özer addressed his counterparts at the Education Ministers' Round Table Session held within the scope of the Preliminary Summit attended by approximately 100 education ministers and 50 deputy ministers.

Minister Özer stated that Türkiye has a very large-scale education system with more than 1 million teachers and 19 million students.

Emphasizing that the enrollment rates at all levels of education from pre-school to higher education have increased in Türkiye in the last 20 years, Minister Özer stated that while the enrollment rate at the age of 5 was 11 percent in the 2000s, this rate has reached 90 percent today.

Noting that as the Ministry of National Education, they have specified three priority areas in the post-pandemic period, Özer said that the first of these is to increase equal opportunities in education.

Minister Özer said, "Regardless of the terms and conditions, we are trying to provide equal and higher quality education to all students. Türkiye, which hosts the largest number of Syrian refugees, has set an example for other countries by making great efforts to ensure that Syrian students have access to education and receive qualified education." He said.

Stating that one of the other areas of importance is vocational education, Özer pointed out that Türkiye is experiencing a transformation in vocational training. Özer noted that the curriculum in vocational education was updated in line with the opinions received from sector representatives. Noting that the third area is the professional development of teachers, Özer reminded that the Teaching Profession Law was enacted this year.

Stating that they want teachers to be lifelong learners, Özer said that they have increased the diversity of their teachers' training during the professional working period.

"Transforming education requires increasing equity in the education system, as well as preparing teachers and students to tackle COVID-19 and similar challenges," Özer said.

Minister Özer thanked all those who have contributed to the Summit's education policies for a better future.