Despite global progress in education, stark inequalities persist, particularly in the poorest countries where 36 per cent of children and youth are out of school compared to just 3 per cent in the richest nations. Ahead of the International Day of Education, which this year highlights “The power of youth in co-creating education,” UN News spoke with UNESCO’s Marco Pasqualini and Rwandan UN young leader Jacques Kwibuka about the importance of engaging young people directly in shaping education systems worldwide.
Marco Pasqualini emphasized that young people have a unique stake in education, as reforms and policies directly impact their lives. Co-creating education involves giving youth a genuine voice to define priorities and actively contribute to meaningful change rather than merely being consulted. Kwibuka noted that past approaches often assumed policymakers’ own experiences as youth were sufficient to understand current challenges, but co-creation allows young people to participate fully in decision-making processes for programs and policies.
Inequalities in access remain significant, with 272 million children and youth out of school globally, and disproportionately affecting those with disabilities, ethnic and linguistic minorities, refugees, migrants, and LGBTQ youth. Kwibuka highlighted two main challenges: the mindset of institutions and elders who undervalue youth voices, and the mindset of young people themselves, especially in rural areas, who may feel unqualified to contribute or lack confidence to speak up. Creating open spaces and platforms for meaningful youth participation is essential to addressing these gaps.
Pasqualini underscored that one barrier to youth engagement is the lack of structured platforms. UNESCO has established the SDG4 Youth and Student Network, which currently includes 110 young leaders and experts from 80 countries, selected from 5,000 applicants. This network allows young people to interact directly with policymakers, increasing visibility, influence, and the quality of education reforms. SDG4, the fourth Sustainable Development Goal, aims to ensure inclusive and equitable quality education by 2030.
Kwibuka expressed optimism about the future, noting that technological advances are helping young people become more informed and engaged. In Rwanda, youth-led initiatives supported by platforms like UNICEF are empowering young people to strengthen their collective voice and drive meaningful change in education and health systems. Pasqualini added that despite global challenges and uncertainties in multilateral cooperation, there is strong interest and commitment to ensuring young people are central to the conversation on transforming education.
