International Day of Education 2026: Youth and teachers as partners in co-creating education

To mark the International Day of Education 2026, UNESCO will convene a global hybrid event at its Headquarters in Paris on 23 January 2026, under the theme The power of youth in co-creating education. The event will bring together youth, students and education stakeholders to highlight the importance of meaningful youth participation in shaping education policy and practice at all levels, particularly in a context of rapid social and technological change.

The programme will showcase national and global efforts to strengthen youth engagement in education decision-making, highlight youth-led initiatives – including in crisis-affected contexts – and introduce new tools developed to support meaningful participation in schools and beyond. It will also reflect on emerging evidence on student and youth participation in education laws and policies, contributing to accountability for commitments made under the Education 2030 Agenda.

The event will include the voices of teachers, including Ilan Enverga and Max Mikael Vinger, members of the SDG 4 Youth & Student Network, illustrating how educators can work alongside youth as facilitators, allies and partners in advancing inclusive, learner-centred education systems.

More information on the programme, speakers and registration is available on the International Day of Education 2026 event page.