The UNESCO Regional Center for Quality and Excellence in Education launched the Global Youth Network for Quality and Excellence in Education (GYNQE) on International Youth Day 2026, a youth-led platform aimed at strengthening young people’s participation in shaping the future of education worldwide. The announcement was made in Riyadh on August 14, 2026, through the Saudi Press Agency, reflecting the Kingdom’s commitment to empowering youth as partners in development.
Context and Background
The launch of GYNQE comes at a time when global education systems are grappling with rapid technological changes, persistent inequalities, and the need for innovative solutions. The network is designed to shift youth engagement from mere consultation to sustained institutional participation, enabling young people to contribute to policy development, curriculum design, and educational initiatives. The UNESCO Regional Center, based in Saudi Arabia, has been at the forefront of promoting quality education in the region and beyond, aligning with the global Education 2030 Agenda.
Key Details
Speaking at the launch, the Center’s Director-General, Dr. Abdulrahman Al-Mudaires, emphasized that young people are essential partners in development. He stressed the importance of moving beyond symbolic representation toward meaningful engagement in designing, implementing, and evaluating educational programs. Assistant Director-General Dr. Fatimah Al-Roais highlighted the network’s goals: to transform challenges into opportunities for innovation, empower youth in shaping policies and learning environments, and build capacities in digital technologies, artificial intelligence, critical thinking, and innovation.
The network’s 2026–2027 activation plan outlines five stages: launch and joining, establishment and governance, operation, expansion and impact, and sustainability and renewal. A global youth council will be formed, ensuring geographical balance, cultural and linguistic diversity, and representation of young people with disabilities and those affected by crises. The council will represent youth voices, propose initiatives, and lead international dialogues.
United Nations Assistant Secretary-General for Youth Affairs Dr. Felipe Paullier underscored the importance of youth leadership in addressing technological transformations, inequality, conflicts, and climate challenges. He called for investing in future skills and ensuring equitable access to quality education and lifelong learning.
Implications and Impact
The launch signals a significant step toward institutionalizing youth voices in education governance. By providing a structured platform, GYNQE is expected to produce tangible educational impact, foster cross-cultural collaboration, and create sustainable opportunities for young people to contribute to a more equitable and innovative future. The initiative also positions Saudi Arabia as a leader in youth empowerment and educational innovation, complementing broader efforts to promote stability and development in the region and globally.
Vision 2030 Alignment
The establishment of the Global Youth Network aligns directly with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030, which prioritizes youth development, education, and global engagement. By empowering young people and investing in their skills, the Kingdom is building a vibrant society and a thriving economy, preparing a generation that can lead in a rapidly changing world. This initiative exemplifies Saudi Arabia’s commitment to international cooperation and sustainable development, further solidifying its role as a global partner in education.
20 Questions
Q1. What is the Global Youth Network for Quality and Excellence in Education?
A1. It is a youth-led global platform launched by the UNESCO Regional Center for Quality and Excellence in Education to strengthen young people’s participation in shaping the future of education.
Q2. When was the network launched?
A2. The network was launched on International Youth Day 2026, which is observed annually on August 12, according to the official announcement.
Q3. Where is the UNESCO Regional Center based?
A3. The center is based in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, and serves as a hub for promoting quality and excellence in education in the region.
Q4. Who is the Director-General of the center?
A4. Dr. Abdulrahman Al-Mudaires is the Director-General of the UNESCO Regional Center for Quality and Excellence in Education.
Q5. What is the main goal of GYNQE?
A5. The main goal is to shift youth engagement from expressing views to sustained institutional participation in educational development.
Q6. How many stages are in the network’s activation plan?
A6. The activation plan for 2026–2027 includes five stages: launch and joining, establishment and governance, operation, expansion and impact, and sustainability and renewal.
Q7. What is the role of the global youth council?
A7. The council will represent youth voices, participate in developing plans, propose initiatives, lead dialogues, and represent the network internationally.
Q8. How does the network ensure diversity?
A8. It takes into account geographical balance, cultural and linguistic diversity, and representation of young people with disabilities and those affected by crises.
Q9. Who is the UN Assistant Secretary-General for Youth Affairs?
A9. Dr. Felipe Paullier serves as the UN Assistant Secretary-General for Youth Affairs and Head of the United Nations Youth Office.
Q10. What skills will the network build among youth?
A10. It aims to build capacities in digital technologies, artificial intelligence, critical thinking, and innovation.
Q11. How can young people join the network?
A11. Young people can join through the official website at https://gynqe.unesco.rcqe.org/.
Q12. What is the significance of launching on International Youth Day?
A12. It highlights the importance of youth participation and aligns with global efforts to empower young people in education.
Q13. How does the network contribute to policy development?
A13. It provides a platform for youth to contribute to policy development by sharing insights and proposing innovative solutions.
Q14. What challenges does the network aim to address?
A14. It addresses technological transformations, inequality, conflicts, and climate challenges in education.
Q15. What is the expected outcome of the network?
A15. The expected outcome is to create sustainable opportunities for youth to build a more equitable, innovative, and sustainable future for education.
Q16. How does this initiative align with Vision 2030?
A16. It aligns with Vision 2030 by empowering youth, enhancing education, and promoting global engagement, contributing to a vibrant society and thriving economy.
Q17. What is the role of the UNESCO Regional Center?
A17. The center serves as the implementing body, providing guidance and support to ensure the network’s success.
Q18. Who participated in the launch?
A18. The launch included young people, experts, and representatives of international organizations, institutions, and youth networks from various regions.
Q19. What is the network’s approach to education innovation?
A19. It turns challenges into sources of innovation and educational solutions, empowering youth to shape curricula and learning environments.
Q20. How does the network ensure sustainability?
A20. The activation plan includes a sustainability and renewal stage, focusing on clear programs, outputs, and impact indicators.
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