The Importance of Youth Co-Creation in Education: International Day of Education 2026
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Education is a cornerstone of progress, equality, and peace. Since its establishment in 2018, the International Day of Education has served as a global reminder of the transformative role education plays in building a better world. This year, on 24th January 2026, the theme, “The Power of Youth in Co-Creating Education,” highlights the critical role young people play as innovators, advocates, and collaborators in shaping inclusive and equitable education systems.
To mark this special day, we here at Routledge want to explore how youth are driving change in education and how educators, policymakers, and institutions can empower them to co-create a future where learning is accessible, relevant, and transformative.
“Ultimately, an education system that recognises and nurtures each child’s unique genius will lead to a more diverse, skilled and mentally healthy society.”
– Meager, Rebecca. (2025). Teaching for Flow: Transforming Primary Education for Optimal Learning. Routledge, Taylor & Francis.
How Are Youth Transforming Education Today?
Youth are not just participants in education; they are active agents of change, shaping the way we learn, teach, and think about education. From grassroots initiatives to global policies, young people are driving innovation and equity in education systems worldwide.
Youth as innovators: Developing apps, peer-to-peer learning networks, and assistive technologies to make education more accessible and inclusive.
Youth as advocates: Championing gender equality, mental health support, and education policies for marginalised groups.
Youth as collaborators: Influencing school policies, integrating real-world issues into classrooms, and participating in global forums for sustainable education.
“If our hope is for kids to become responsible, thoughtful decision makers, then we need to let them make decisions.”
– Dean, Mari. (2025). Lessons in Community: A Teacher’s Guide to Reimagining Classroom Management and Social-Emotional Learning. Routledge, Taylor & Francis.
What Strategies Can Empower Youth to Co-Create Education?
Empowering youth to co-create education requires strategies that place their voices and leadership at the centre of decision-making.
Foster participation: Create platforms for students to share ideas, influence curricula, and lead initiatives.
Leverage technology: Use digital tools for collaboration, gamified learning, and open educational resources.
Promote inclusion: Provide resources for underrepresented groups, design accessible learning environments, and advocate for equitable policies.
Support lifelong learning: Offer vocational training, integrate critical skills into education, and encourage intergenerational knowledge-sharing.
Why Is Youth Co-Creation Essential for the Future of Education?
Youth involvement is essential for building a sustainable and equitable future.
Relevance: Young people bring fresh perspectives and innovative ideas.
Equity: Youth advocacy addresses systemic inequalities and amplifies marginalised voices., and open educational resources.
Global citizenship: Co-created education empowers students to tackle global challenges.
Sustainability: Youth contributions align with the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals, particularly SDG 4 (Quality Education). intergenerational knowledge-sharing.
“…co-creation provides the opportunity to transcend the boundaries of traditional classroom learning and actively contribute to positive change in the local community. By collaborating with diverse stakeholders, and applying interdisciplinary knowledge and skills, participants not only enhance their academic understanding of teaching and sustainable development but also cultivate a sense of social responsibility and agency”
– Matheson, David. (2025). An Introduction to the Study of Education. Routledge, Taylor & Francis.
Empowering Youth for a Better Tomorrow
As we celebrate the International Day of Education 2026, it is vital to recognise the transformative power of youth in shaping the future of education. Their creativity, passion, and resilience are driving forces for change, and it is our collective responsibility to support and empower them.
Listen to youth voices: Create spaces for young people to share ideas.
Invest in youth-led initiatives: Provide funding, mentorship, and resources.
Collaborate across generations: Build partnerships between youth, educators, and policymakers.
The future of education is not something we build for young people; it is something we build with them. Together, we can harness the power of youth to create a world where education is a force for peace, equality, and sustainable development.
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