Long hours, low pay, harsh conditions: welcome to the reality of millions of teachers worldwide.

The UN Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) is calling for more support for teachers whom it calls “change agents,” improving the lives of countless children and communities.

On World Teacher’s Day, observed on 5 October, UNESCO and its partners such as the International Labour Organization (ILO) and the UN Development Programme (UNDP), are standing up for these professionals.

Dianne Penn spoke to Francesc Pedró, Chief of Teacher Development and Education Policies at UNESCO in Paris, who explains why “Take a Stand for Teachers!” is this year’s slogan.

(Duration: 4'07")