Haldis Holst, Deputy General Secretary of Education International, has retired after more than 40 years of advocacy for the right to education and the protection of teachers’ rights across the world.
From Classroom Teacher to Global Union Leader
Holst graduated as a teacher in 1983 after studying English and Physical Education and began her career in a small fishing community in northern Norway, teaching at both primary and secondary levels.
Her union activism began early. She became a representative in the Union of Education Norway, steadily rising into leadership roles before representing Norwegian educators internationally through the European Trade Union Committee for Education.
Holst later joined the Executive Board of Education International, served as Vice-President from 2009 to 2012, and subsequently became Deputy General Secretary. Beyond EI, she contributed to global education governance through roles on the boards of the Global Partnership for Education, Global Campaign Against Child Labour, and The European Wergeland Centre, as well as the Education 2030 Steering Committee.
Champion of Equity and Women’s Leadership
Widely regarded as a feminist role model, Holst promoted gender equality in schools and unions, advocating for girls’ access to education and women’s leadership in educational institutions and labour movements.
She led Education International’s equity initiatives, consistently pushing for social justice and inclusion — particularly for vulnerable learners and marginalised communities — while mentoring younger union activists and encouraging sustained engagement in labour advocacy.
Education International General Secretary David Edwards praised her legacy, noting that her decades of service produced significant progress for educators and students worldwide.
Holst leaves behind a strengthened global teachers’ movement and a lasting influence on international education policy and labour rights advocacy.
