Every year on January 24, the world celebrates the International Day of Education 2026 — a day proclaimed by the United Nations General Assembly to honour the role of education in peace, development, and human dignity.
Article 26 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights says everyone has the right to education — yet globally, millions are still excluded from learning opportunities.
This year’s theme, “The Power of Youth in Co-Creating Education,” highlights how young people — especially those under 30 who make up more than half of the world’s population — can actively shape the future of learning. Instead of being passive recipients, youth are being invited to help design education systems that meet their aspirations, reflect their communities, and prepare them for a world still being reshaped by rapid technological and social change.
Why Education Matters: A Human Right and a Pathway to Opportunity
Education opens doors to opportunity, stronger communities, and meaningful participation in society. It is a cornerstone of peace, equity, and sustainable development — and it touches every area of life:
- Education helps people read, write, and communicate, which strengthens everyday literacy and civic engagement.
- Fair access to learning promotes gender equality and helps break cycles of poverty.
- Quality education equips learners with skills to adapt to new ideas, technologies, and communities.
Despite these benefits, many learners continue to face barriers. According to UNESCO, hundreds of millions of children and youth are still out of school, and many adults remain illiterate — evidence that the world must renew its commitment to education for all.
Youth as Co-Creators of Education
The 2026 International Day of Education focuses on the vital role of youth in shaping learning itself — not just studying what others have decided. Young people around the world are innovators, thinkers, advocates, and community builders. They bring new perspectives to:
- how education can stay relevant in a changing world
- how classrooms and learning environments can reflect diverse cultures
- how digital tools can be used responsibly and creatively
- how systems can include more voices in decisions that affect them
How Education Shapes Communities Like Burnaby
Even here in Burnaby and the Lower Mainland, education plays a powerful role in community life:
- Local Schools and Libraries Reflect Diverse Needs: Schools and libraries help children and families access books, digital literacy tools, language learning, and cultural history. These resources build strong literacy foundations and a sense of belonging for learners of all ages.
- Youth Voices in Local Learning Spaces: From student councils to youth advisory groups and after-school programs, young people help shape what and how learning happens — whether it’s deciding what courses they want, what community issues matter, or how learning fits into modern life.
- Adult Education and Lifelong Learning: Education doesn’t end at graduation. Workshops, adult courses, and community events keep learning alive at every age, helping residents adapt to changing jobs, technologies, and community priorities.
Celebrating International Day of Education: What You Can Do
Here are some ways families and community members can celebrate or contribute:
- Read Together: Pick a story about education, innovation, or someone’s learning journey and discuss it as a family.
- Learn Something New: Try a free online course or community workshop — even just for fun!
- Support Youth Voices: Ask a young person what they think education should look like in the future.
- Talk About Access: Discuss why education matters, including for people around the world who face barriers to learning.
- Promote Diversity in Learning: Celebrate languages, skills, and ways of knowing that come from different cultures in your community.
Local & Global Resources on Education
To learn more and take action:
🌐 UNESCO — International Day of Education — official information and events.
🌐 United Nations — Background on Why Education Matters — human rights and SDG context.
🌐 Local School Districts & Libraries — Burnaby teachers and librarians help make learning inclusive and accessible. Burnaby Public Library – BPL
A Moment to Reflect | International Day of Education 2026
Education transforms lives. It gives people the tools they need to read, think, explore, and participate in their communities.
On January 24, we celebrated learners of all ages and reaffirm that education must be inclusive, equitable, and shaped by those it serves — especially youth whose future depends on it. By supporting learning in all its forms, we help build a world where everyone’s potential can flourish.