UNESCO Associated Schools Program: promoting human development or maintaining a marketing perspective

Abstract

This work reflects on education and regional development based on a program of the United Nations Educational, Cultural and Scientific Organization (UNESCO) called the Associated Schools Program (PEA). The objective is to discuss the possible intentions of an educational policy on a global scale based on its creation and expansion in countries like Brazil. The PEA defines itself as a network of UNESCO ambassador schools committed to the ideals of an international agenda for education. In Brazil, in 2022, there were 569 associated schools, representing a total of 500 thousand students and 36 thousand teachers. The program is based on three thematic axes, which are developed in projects and activities by associated schools, being: 1) global citizenship and culture of peace and non-violence, 2) promotion of sustainable development and sustainable lifestyle and 3) appreciation cultural diversity and cultural heritage. In an exploratory way and based on bibliographical and documentary research based on the evidentiary paradigm, we found that, despite defending a human development perspective, the program can be read as a “seal of quality” that reaffirms the market logic imposed on education.

Keywords: educational public policies; ASPnet; globalization.