Today, on World Teachers" Day, we pay homage to all teachers for their pivotal role in shaping children" s lives and for their critical contribution to the social, economic and intellectual development of nations. We take this opportunity to commend the efforts of teachers, especially female teachers, who accept to serve in high risk, deprived and disadvantaged areas, reaching out to the excluded, and bringing them the prospect of a better life through education. Teachers are also crucial to sustainable recovery and growth in post-conflict and emergency situations. We especially honour the memory and commitment of those teachers who have lost their lives in emergency situations. Teachers provide continuity and reassurance, both during and after natural disasters and other crises. By giving hope for the future, they help to mitigate the effects of conflict, disaster and displacement. They provide much-needed psycho-social support to ease the trauma of children and youth who have witnessed extreme violence, or lived through the destruction of their homes and the loss of family members. Supporting teachers in post-crisis situations is an investment in peace and development. Low status, low salary and poor working conditions infringe on the rights of teachers whilst discouraging talented young people from joining and remaining in the teaching profession. The quality of teacher training is equally important. Teachers who are well-trained and adequately paid are better equipped to provide a decent education and be active promoters of the values of citizenship, peace and intercultural dialogue. Governments are therefore urged to continue investing in viable national policies and programmes for teacher training, recruitment, and incentives so that teachers remain and develop within the profession. At the same time, we urge development partners to support governments, particularly in developing countries, in their determination to invest in well trained teachers. We also call for greater efforts and structures of social dialogue that give teachers a voice in decision-making through their democratically elected organizations. (318 words)