The United Nations General Assembly proclaimed 24 January as International Day of Education, in celebration of the role of education for peace and development.
The 2026 International Day of Education will celebrate the power of youth as co-creators of education. This includes taking stock of national efforts to involve youth in educational decision-making; showcasing how organizations are leading the way by giving youth a voice in decision-making bodies; introducing tools to ensure meaningful youth engagement in education at school and beyond; and highlighting youth-led initiatives in crisis-affected contexts.
To commemorate the 2026 International Day of Education, GCE-US has compiled a list of events and activities hosted by GCE-US members and partners. We hope this serves as a helpful resource to our community!
Online Event: Education at a Crossroads: Global Access One Year On
Hosted by: Global Campaign for Education-US
Date: Wednesday, January 21
Time: 2:00 p.m. ET
In recognition of the International Day of Education, GCE-US will host a virtual event that convenes policymakers, practitioners, and advocates to examine the current state of access to education for young people worldwide. This discussion takes place one year after the U.S. announced the suspension of foreign assistance, a decision with significant implications for education systems and learners across the globe. The event will provide a platform to assess progress, highlight ongoing challenges, and explore strategies to ensure that all children and youth have the opportunity to learn, thrive, and reach their full potential. Interested participants can register here.
Online Event: International Day of Education Youth Celebration
Hosted by: UNESCO SDG 4 Youth & Student Network
Date: Friday, January 23
Time: 9:00 a.m. ET
Online youth-led event featuring young people’s stories and their role in advancing quality education in conflict-affected contexts, organized by the SDG 4 Youth & Student Network in cooperation with other UNESCO networks and partners, notably the UNESCO Associated Schools Network (ASPnet). Interested participants can learn more here.
Online Event: Education on the Margins: Ensuring the Right to Education for All
Hosted by: American Jesuits International
Date: Friday, January 23
Time: 11:00 a.m. ET
What does education look like on the margins today—and what will it take to protect it tomorrow? Join American Jesuits International for a live conversation with leaders from Fe y Alegría. Alejandro Calderón from El Salvador and Fr. Marco Gómez, S.J. from Panama will reflect on the challenges and hopes facing Jesuit education on the margins and share stories from their work on the ground. Interested participants can register here.