The power of youth in co-creating education
By Sofonie Dala
Ladies and gentlemen, distinguished guests, and fellow youth,
Today, we gather to observe the International Day of Education — a day proclaimed by the United Nations General Assembly to celebrate the transformative role of education in building peace, fostering development, and advancing the Sustainable Development Goals.
Education is not a privilege; it is a human right, a public good, and a public responsibility. Yet, the reality is stark: 250 million children and youth remain out of school, and 763 million adults cannot read or write. Their right to education is being violated, and this is unacceptable. Without inclusive and equitable quality education, we cannot achieve gender equality, nor can we break the cycle of poverty that continues to hold millions behind.
This year’s celebration reminds us of the power of youth in co-creating education. More than half of the world’s population is under 30. We are the driving force of innovation, sustainable development, and social transformation. But too often, we are disproportionately affected by poverty, inequality, and limited access to decent work and quality learning opportunities.
The future of education belongs to us, the youth. We must be meaningfully engaged in shaping the systems that will define our lives and our societies. In this era of technological revolution, we must rethink the purpose of teaching and learning, ensuring that education equips us not only with knowledge but with creativity, resilience, and the skills to build a sustainable and just world.
Let us stand together, united in our call to transform education. Let us demand that governments, institutions, and communities place education at the heart of their agendas. And let us, as youth, rise to co-create the education we deserve — one that empowers us to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals and secure a future of dignity, equality, and peace.
Thank you.
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