In a decisive move toward educational justice, teachers’ unions from Angola, Brazil, Cape Verde, Guinea-Bissau, and Portugal gathered in Guinea-Bissau to demand bold government action in support of public education. The forum, held on July 16 and organized by Education International and CPLP-SE, coincided with the summit of Portuguese-speaking heads of state, amplifying the urgency of the unions’ message. Under the banner “Go Public! Fund Education,” the unions called for a shift from mere dialogue to concrete policy commitments, urging governments to prioritize education funding as a foundation for democratic stability, social equity, and national progress.
The event served as a platform for educators to voice their concerns about chronic underfunding, shrinking foreign aid, and the disruptive effects of rapid digitalization on already fragile education systems. Union leaders emphasized that teachers are not just implementers of policy but essential partners in shaping it. Guinea-Bissau’s Minister of Education, Dr. Herry Mané, echoed this sentiment, advocating for a collaborative approach that places educators at the heart of reform efforts. The forum also addressed the need to implement the United Nations’ recommendations for transforming the teaching profession, including better working conditions, professional development, and legislative guarantees for sustained public investment.
Participants outlined coordinated national and regional action plans aimed at holding governments accountable and mobilizing communities around the value of public education. The unions stressed that education must be treated not as a commodity but as a public good, one that requires consistent funding, transparent governance, and inclusive policymaking. Their collective voice underscored the importance of legislation that protects education budgets from political volatility and ensures long-term support for teachers and students alike.
This gathering marked a turning point in Lusophone education advocacy, transforming shared frustration into unified resolve. By demanding that governments “Go Public!” with their support for education, the unions are not only defending the rights of teachers and learners but also laying the groundwork for a more just and informed society. Their call to action is clear: education must be publicly funded, professionally respected, and universally accessible, because the future of every nation depends on it.