Young people must be ‘truly involved’ in transforming education

January 24, 2026 - 23:40

With over half the world's population under the age of 30 and more than 272 million children and youth still excluded from schooling, a powerful call is being made for their direct and meaningful involvement in reshaping educational systems. The scale of this demographic underscores a critical truth: young people are not merely future beneficiaries but essential stakeholders in the present transformation of learning.

The argument centers on moving beyond token consultation to genuine partnership. Proponents insist that students and young advocates must have a seat at the policy-making table, contributing to decisions on curriculum development, teaching methods, and the integration of technology. Their firsthand experience with the evolving challenges of the modern world, from digital literacy to climate anxiety, provides invaluable insight that traditional planning often overlooks.

This shift recognizes education as a dynamic partnership. By truly involving youth in crafting the systems that serve them, the goal is to foster more relevant, inclusive, and effective learning environments. The scale of the current exclusion from education highlights the urgency of this collaborative approach, framing it not as a concession but as a fundamental necessity for building equitable and resilient societies for all.