The world celebrates the International Day of Education on January 24th, an occasion established by the United Nations General Assembly to recognize the pivotal role of education in achieving peace and sustainable development. This year's celebration, 2026, is under the striking theme "Youth Power to Shape Education," reflecting a new global trend towards engaging learners in shaping their own future knowledge.
Empowering youth is at the heart of the educational process
In this context, the Director General of the Arab Bureau of Education for the Gulf States, Dr. Mohammed bin Saud Al-Muqbil, stated that this annual occasion represents a pressing global call to reposition youth at the heart of the educational process. He emphasized that young people are no longer mere recipients of knowledge, but have become active and influential partners in developing the educational system and shaping its future. He noted that this year's theme reflects a growing international awareness of the importance of empowering rising generations to contribute directly to designing educational policies, developing curricula, and innovating modern learning methods that keep pace with the digital revolution.
Historical background and international goals
The International Day of Education is significant because it serves as a reminder that education is a human right, a public good, and a shared responsibility. On December 3, 2018, the United Nations General Assembly adopted a resolution declaring January 24 as the International Day of Education, reaffirming that education is a cornerstone of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. Without ensuring inclusive and equitable quality education for all and promoting lifelong learning opportunities, countries will not succeed in breaking the cycle of poverty or achieving gender equality, which is the focus of Sustainable Development Goal 4.
Gulf support and system development
At the regional level, Dr. Al-Muqbil explained that Their Majesties, Highnesses, and Excellencies, the leaders of the member states of the Arab Bureau of Education for the Gulf States, give education the highest priority and strongly support the drive to empower youth. The Gulf states translate this support into ambitious national visions aimed at transforming education from traditional models to horizons of innovation and creativity, in line with the requirements of the knowledge economy and 21st-century skills.
Quality programs for a promising future
The Director General concluded his statement by emphasizing that the Arab Bureau of Education for the Gulf States is working diligently, in close cooperation with the Ministries of Education in member states and regional and international partners, to implement a range of high-quality programs. These programs aim to prepare conscious young generations equipped with leadership skills, the ability to engage in constructive criticism, and the capacity for effective participation in decision-making, so that they may become future leaders capable of competing globally and contributing to the advancement of their nations.
