The Chairperson of the Commonwealth Youth Council, Joshua Opey, will join youth leaders and stakeholders at the UNESCO Headquarters in Paris on Friday, January 23 to commemorate the International Day of Education.

This year’s celebration will witness the launch of the 2026 Youth Report: Lead with Youth. With the Chairperson serving as an Advisory Board Member for GEM Report UNESCO since last year, the CYC has provided strategic support toward the development of the report, ensuring that the voices of Commonwealth youth are captured and integrated.

During the celebrations, the Chairperson will speak on the panel “Nothing about us, without us,” focusing on moving beyond symbolic participation toward practical, effective youth involvement in education policy and leadership.

Developed alongside the United Nations Youth Office, this report serves as a vital tool for youth-led advocacy worldwide. We commend the entire team at the GEM Report UNESCO for their tireless efforts in ensuring youth voices are at the center of the global education agenda.

The Commonwealth Youth Council remains committed to ensuring that young people are not just beneficiaries of education, but equal partners in education leadership.

You can join the conversation virtually or in person by registering via the links on our social platforms.