UNESCO Regional Centre Launches Global Youth Network for Education

RIYADH — The UNESCO Regional Centre for Quality and Excellence in Education launched the Global Youth Network for Quality and Excellence in Education (GYNQE) on August 14, 2026, marking International Youth Day 2026. The initiative, announced by the Centre, establishes a global, youth-led platform aimed at enhancing young people’s participation in shaping the future of education, producing knowledge, innovating solutions, designing initiatives, and contributing to policy development and decision-making.

Context and Background

The launch took place with the involvement of youth, experts, and representatives from international organizations, institutions, and youth networks across various world regions. This collaborative effort signifies a strategic shift from symbolic youth presence to substantive, institutional engagement in education development, aligning with the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia’s commitment to empowering youth as key drivers of societal progress under Vision 2030.

Key Details

Dr. Abdulrahman bin Ibrahim Al-Mudaires, Director-General of the Centre, emphasized that youth are partners in development and future-making. He stressed the importance of transitioning their participation from mere attendance to active institutional involvement in designing, implementing, and evaluating educational initiatives and policies. Dr. Fatima Ibrahim Al-Ruwais, Assistant Director-General, outlined the network’s objectives: to transform the diversity of youth challenges into sources of innovation and educational solutions, enable their participation in shaping policies, curricula, and learning environments, and build their capacities in digital fields, artificial intelligence, critical thinking, and innovation.

The network’s activation plan for 2026–2027 spans five phases: launch, joining, establishment, governance and operation, expansion and impact, then sustainability and renewal. This structured approach aims to build a sustainable international youth platform with clear programs, outputs, and impact indicators. The network includes a global youth council that ensures geographical, gender, cultural, and linguistic balance, and includes representation of youth with disabilities and those affected by crises. The council will represent youth voices, participate in plan formulation, propose initiatives, lead dialogues, and represent the network internationally.

Dr. Felipe Paullier, UN Assistant Secretary-General for Youth Affairs and Head of the UN Youth Office, underscored the importance of youth leadership in addressing technological transformations, inequality, conflicts, and climate challenges. He advocated for investing in future skills and ensuring equitable access to quality education and lifelong learning.

Implications and Impact

The establishment of GYNQE marks a significant step toward institutionalizing the youth voice in education. By creating a sustainable global platform, the network empowers young people to contribute to educational quality, equity, and innovation. This initiative positions Saudi Arabia as a global leader in education innovation and youth engagement, fostering international collaboration and knowledge exchange. The network’s inclusive design, with balanced representation and focus on marginalized groups, ensures diverse perspectives are integrated into educational policy and practice.

Vision 2030 Alignment

The launch of the Global Youth Network for Quality and Excellence in Education directly supports Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030, which prioritizes youth empowerment, quality education, and global partnerships. By enabling youth to lead knowledge production and policy development, the network contributes to building a future-ready workforce and fostering a culture of innovation and excellence. This initiative exemplifies the Kingdom’s dedication to investing in its human capital and realizing the ambitions of Vision 2030 for a vibrant, prosperous society, positioning Saudi Arabia as a global hub for educational leadership and collaboration.

Interested youth and organizations can join the network through the official portal: http://gynqe.unesco.rcqe.org/

20 Questions

Q1. What is the Global Youth Network for Quality and Excellence in Education (GYNQE)?

A1. GYNQE is a global, youth-led platform launched by the UNESCO Regional Centre for Quality and Excellence in Education. It aims to enhance youth participation in shaping education’s future through knowledge production, innovative solutions, policy development, and decision-making.

Q2. When was GYNQE launched?

A2. GYNQE was launched on August 14, 2026, coinciding with International Youth Day 2026, as announced by the Centre.

Q3. Where is the UNESCO Regional Centre for Quality and Excellence in Education located?

A3. The Centre is located in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, and serves as a regional hub for educational quality and excellence.

Q4. Who can join GYNQE?

A4. GYNQE is open to young people, youth organizations, experts, and institutions worldwide who are interested in contributing to education development.

Q5. What are the main objectives of GYNQE?

A5. The objectives include promoting youth participation in education policy, building capacities in digital and AI skills, innovating solutions, and institutionalizing youth voices in education systems.

Q6. How does GYNQE ensure diversity in its representation?

A6. Its global youth council ensures geographical, gender, cultural, and linguistic balance, including representatives of youth with disabilities and those affected by crises.

Q7. Who leads the GYNQE initiative?

A7. The initiative is led by the Director-General of the Centre, Dr. Abdulrahman bin Ibrahim Al-Mudaires, and Assistant Director-General Dr. Fatima Ibrahim Al-Ruwais.

Q8. What is the role of the global youth council?

A8. The council represents youth voices, participates in formulating plans, proposes initiatives, leads dialogues, and represents the network internationally.

Q9. What is the significance of the launch date in relation to youth?

A9. The launch on International Youth Day reinforces the global commitment to youth empowerment and highlights the network’s alignment with international youth goals.

Q10. How does GYNQE support Vision 2030?

A10. It supports Vision 2030 by empowering youth, enhancing education quality, and fostering innovation and global partnerships, which are key pillars of the vision.

Q11. What are the five phases of the network’s activation plan?

A11. The phases are: launch, joining, establishment, governance and operation, expansion and impact, and sustainability and renewal (covering 2026-2027).

Q12. How can interested individuals apply to join GYNQE?

A12. Interested individuals can apply through the official website: http://gynqe.unesco.rcqe.org/

Q13. What capacity-building opportunities does GYNQE offer?

A13. GYNQE focuses on building youth capacities in digital skills, artificial intelligence, critical thinking, and innovation.

Q14. How does GYNQE contribute to international education?

A14. It creates a platform for global collaboration, sharing best practices, and developing solutions that address educational challenges worldwide.

Q15. What is the role of Dr. Felipe Paullier in this initiative?

A15. Dr. Paullier, a UN official, emphasized the importance of youth leadership in tackling global challenges, supporting the network’s goals.

Q16. Does GYNQE focus on technology and AI?

A16. Yes, it includes building capacities in digital fields and artificial intelligence to prepare youth for future jobs.

Q17. How does GYNQE address the needs of marginalized youth?

A17. The network ensures representation of youth with disabilities and those affected by crises, promoting inclusivity in education.

Q18. What is the expected impact of GYNQE in the next five years?

A18. It aims to establish a sustainable platform with clear outcomes, impact indicators, and youth-led initiatives in education worldwide.

Q19. How does GYNQE align with the UN Sustainable Development Goals?

A19. It supports SDG 4 (Quality Education) and SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities), among others, by ensuring inclusive and equitable education.

Q20. What is the main message of the GYNQE launch?

A20. The launch conveys that youth are essential partners in transforming education, and their meaningful participation is crucial for a sustainable future.

---