UNESCO Highlights Youth Leadership on International Day of Education 2026

UNESCO Highlights Youth Leadership on International Day of Education 2026
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UNESCO marked the International Day of Education 2026 by emphasizing the central role of young people in shaping the future of education and society. The organization underscored that education is a fundamental human right and a shared responsibility, with youth increasingly recognized as active partners rather than passive recipients of learning systems.

UNESCO noted that young people represent a strategic resource due to their creativity, adaptability, and resilience, especially as the majority of the global population under 30. Their meaningful participation is seen as essential to advancing inclusive development, peace, and social justice.

At the same time, the organization highlighted persistent challenges facing youth, including poverty, inequality, and limited access to quality education. Addressing these issues, UNESCO stressed the need for genuine youth involvement in education policymaking and implementation, beyond symbolic consultation.

The agency also announced plans to release a global report in 2026 examining youth participation in education laws and policies, in cooperation with the UN youth envoy, to strengthen accountability for international education commitments.

Focusing on the Gulf States and Yemen, UNESCO pointed to rapid social, economic, and technological changes as opportunities to rethink education models. It called for investment in learning environments that promote critical thinking, civic engagement, digital skills, and sustainability, highlighting youth leadership as key to building more inclusive and future-ready education systems.