From Consultation to Co-Leadership: Youth Shaping SDG 4 Education Policies

18 September 2025

Part of the ongoing series of SDG 4 Regional Dialogues: Arab States, the webinar brought together over 100 participants from across the region for a dynamic and engaging discussion. Youth not only shared their experiences but actively shaped the conversation, highlighting a crucial insight: meaningful youth participation is key to designing education policies that truly meet the needs of young people and align with SDG 4 targets.

The session showcased inspiring examples of youth engagement in education policy-making, from initiatives integrating sustainability and renewable energy into school curricula to advocacy for inclusive classrooms that leave no one behind. These regional strategies demonstrated how youth can move beyond token consultation to become active co-leaders in shaping policy.

UNESCO

SDG 4 Youth Voices

Adel Dahan, Youth Advocate and Member of the SDG 4 Youth and Student Network from Yemen, shared his perspective on youth with disabilities:
"In my view, involving young men and women with disabilities in shaping education policies has become very important, as it ensures that these policies reflect our needs and aspirations."

Najib Matar, Youth Engagement Consultant and Member of SDG 4 Youth & Student Network from Lebanon, reflected on the broader vision for education in the Arab region:
"Ensuring quality education is not just a goal-it's a call to reimagine learning systems. Youth must be trusted as co-architects of the education systems and futures we need."

Azkha Mikdhar, Co-Chair of UNESCO's SDG4 Youth and Student Network, emphasized the importance of inclusivity:
"Permanent spaces where all young people including refugees, displaced youth, young women, and marginalized groups can actively shape policies ensure that education systems are truly relevant and effective."

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Adal Dahan

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Najib Mattar

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Azkha Mikdhar

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Zoubeir Yahya

The webinar provided a platform for youth voices to shine, reinforcing that young people are not just beneficiaries of education, they are partners today in shaping policies, driving innovation, and building meaningful, future-ready learning systems.

Through this interactive session, UNESCO reaffirmed its commitment to transforming education, ensuring quality and inclusive learning, and maintaining learning continuity. By empowering young people as co-leaders, education policies become more relevant and effective, learning becomes meaningful, and futures are built with hope and opportunity.