Education is the right, but not the reality, of all. Various international trends are identified to set the scene for languages education. Challenges facing the teaching profession--in the contexts of teachers, students, teacher training, conditions and the curriculum--are addressed by effective strategies. Policy is prioritised, as it is in this area that a framework can be created to facilitate the implementation of successful strategies and a positive perspective of the profession. Existing, practical programs provide further insights. With examples extant in UNESCO studies and reports, we turn to gains recognised by this organisation--based on the principles of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights--to provide solutions. (Contains 2 notes.)