Globe drawing with child's hands

International

Internationalism sits at the heart of the National Education Union’s values. As an education trade union, we believe that defending human rights, including trade union rights and the right to education, must be a global endeavour.

The NEU believes in the potential for high-quality, inclusive and publicly-funded education to transform the world. But to harness this, national governments must better support and protect one of the greatest investments we can make in children’s futures: the world’s teachers.

We are proud that our union is a member of Education International - the federation of education unions representing 32 million teachers and support staff in 178 countries. Together, we work to defend and improve the rights of every educator by listening and responding to calls to action from sister unions. We support the defence of human rights, provide vital assistance during crises and emergencies, and collaborate on development cooperation projects.

The best of what we produce on the international stage is led at the local level by our members. Right across the country you will find a network of NEU international solidarity officers, and many others, organising at the grassroots to promote democracy, peace, social justice, and human rights.

Latest news

Gaza: ceasefire now

NEU calls for immediate ceasefire and protection of young people in Gaza and West Bank.

Young people in Gaza

All children have the right to life, to live and play without fear of violence and to attend school and learn in safety.

Israel/Palestine: Issues for schools

This advice aims to support members to deal with the reactions of pupils and the wider community to the Israel/Palestine conflict. This guidance was reissued in October 2023.

Steve Sinnott

Steve Sinnott international solidarity award

The Steve Sinnott International Solidarity Award gives recognition to members who have made exemplary contributions to their school or branch or districts’ work on international solidarity.

Graphic of handshake over world map

International affiliations

We work in partnership with a variety of international campaigns and organisations to deliver our goals and theirs.

Events

NEU on the global stage

With this edition of On the Global Stage, the NEU upholds the principle of international solidarity and renews its commitment to the pursuit of a fairer and more just world.

Read more
We are the NEU. Join Us.

Not yet a member?

Join the largest education union in Europe. Free for trainee teachers or just £1 in your first year teaching after qualifying.

Join now
Back to top