A/67/310 81. In this context, industry and the private sector are emerging as an important stakeholder in the provision of technical and vocational education and training. It is, however, clear that, from a right to education perspective, key responsibility devolves upon States. They remain not only providers of such education and training but also have a promotional as well as protective and facilitating role. Their responsibility is crucial for devising a comprehensive and high-quality technical and vocational education and training system that is respectful of human rights, in particular, the right to education. A. Principles 82. A certain number of principles can guide State action in the establishment, expansion and consolidation of technical and vocational education and training systems. 1. Principle of social justice and equity 83. The principle of social justice, which is at the core of the global mission of the United Nations to promote development and human dignity, also underpins human rights. Social justice and equity are of perennial importance in terms of foundations not only of EFA but also of technical and vocational education and training-based approaches to poverty reduction strategies and the role of technical and vocational education and training in the context of the Millennium Development Goals. They are invaluable for bridging the widening gap between rich and poor and harnessing technical and vocational education and training for the common well-being. 2. Principle of humanistic rather than mere utilitarian vision of education 84. Today, the humanistic mission of education is being vitiated. Hence the critical importance of this principle, so that the system of education in general, and of technical and vocational education and training in particular, is inspired by a humanistic rather than a mere utilitarian vision of education. 3. Principle of social interest in education and education as a public good 85. Education should be central to the notion and concepts of global public goods and the intellectual commons which are increasingly being discussed in international forums. Education benefits both the individual and the society and its sanctity should be safeguarded by avoiding its mercantalization, geared towards commercial gains only. Education should be preserved as a public good so that it does not become devoid of social interest. 4. Principle of equality of opportunity and access to education 86. This is a fundamental principle enshrined in almost all United Nations human rights treaties, and it is of paramount importance in face of persistent disparities and growing inequalities in education. The system of technical and vocational education and training should admit of no discrimination or exclusion, and learning opportunities should be equally accessible to all. 12-46486 23