International Day of Education 2026: The Power of Youth in Co-Creating Education

Every year on January 24, the world marks the International Day of Education to highlight education as a fundamental human right and a key driver of peace, inclusion, and sustainable development. The theme for 2026, “The Power of Youth in Co-Creating Education” places young people at the center of this global conversation.

The theme underscores that education systems are most effective when learners are not treated as passive recipients but as active partners. When youth are meaningfully involved in shaping policies, curricula, and learning approaches, education becomes more relevant, inclusive, and responsive to real-world challenges. Youth participation goes beyond representation; it is essential to building systems that nurture creativity, civic responsibility, and the skills needed for social and economic progress.

Speaking on the importance of this year’s observance, Arabinrin Aderonke Atoyebi, Executive Director of FAME Foundation, emphasized the need to move beyond rhetoric to meaningful engagement with young people;

“Awareness is no longer enough. In 2026, we must create opportunities for youth to lead, innovate, and co create solutions. Listening alone is insufficient. Action is required. Young people are not just learners. They are essential partners in building education systems that work for everyone.”

She further highlighted the value of youth perspectives, noting that their contributions are critical to shaping education systems;

“Youth insights are powerful. They bring creativity, lived experience, and new perspectives. Across Nigeria, we are already seeing young people take initiative and drive change in their various capacity. The more we involve them, the better our education systems become. By including youth, we can ensure education is inclusive, equitable, and responsive to the challenges of today and tomorrow.”

Arabinrin Aderonke Atoyebi concluded by saying;

“Every ignored voice is a lost opportunity for better education. If we do nothing, we are part of the problem. Silence is not neutral; it is a barrier. We are the generation that will not look away. Co-creating education is not a dream for tomorrow; it is today’s responsibility. And we are here to make it real.

FAME Foundation is not only raising awareness but also calling for tangible action. By working with governments, schools, communities, and policymakers, we can create frameworks that give youth meaningful voices in education, ensure their ideas are implemented, and build systems that value every learner equally.