International Day of Education 2026

© UNESCO/Weiwei Kang

First established on 24 January 2019, following a UN proclamation in 2018, this day highlights the fact that education is a human right, a public good and a public responsibility.

Celebrated on 24 January 2026, the International Day of Education highlights the theme:

“The power of youth in co-creating education.”

In a rapidly changing world marked by social, technological and environmental transformations, young people are not only beneficiaries of education systems — they are key actors and partners in shaping them. Their voices, creativity and lived experiences are essential to designing education that is relevant, inclusive and future-oriented.

As the United Nations’ specialized agency for education, UNESCO places education at the heart of peace, sustainable development and social justice. UNESCO consistently affirms that education is a fundamental human right, a public good and a shared responsibility, and promotes meaningful youth participation in educational policies and practices worldwide.

Empowering young people to co-create education strengthens democracy, innovation and social cohesion. By engaging youth as partners, education systems become more responsive, resilient and capable of addressing global challenges.

On the occasion of the International Day of Education 2026, UNESCO calls on governments, educators, civil society and youth themselves to work together to build education systems shaped with, by and for young people.

In this dynamic, Zonta International actively supports education as a major lever for the empowerment of women and girls.

Zonta’s actions include the awarding of scholarships, prizes and mentorship programmes, as well as a constant advocacy in favor of equality, leadership and youth participation.

On the occasion of International Education Day 2026, Zonta reaffirms its conviction that giving young people, and in particular young women, a central role in the co-creation of education is a sustainable investment in a more just, inclusive and peaceful world.