Momentum on the International Day of Education 2026: Empowering young people to shape the future of learning

As the world marks the International Day of Education on 24 January, Momentum reflects on this year’s theme, The Power of Youth in Co-creating Education. This should remind us that Malta must move towards an education system that truly democratically allows students to be active partners in shaping the education system they experience every day.

Malta has made progress in expanding access to education, and public investment now stands at 5.2% of GDP. Yet the latest Education and Training Monitor shows that serious challenges still exist. Achievement gaps persist and early school leaving still affects 9.3% of students, leaving us behind several other EU countries.  Shockingly, one in three learners with disabilities continue to fall through the cracks, pointing to a system that too often measures success in spending, rather than in inclusion, participation and realistic outcomes.

“A 21st Century education cannot be designed without active student participation,” said Momentum committee member Katya Compagno. “There are over 51,000 young people in compulsory education today. It is they who experience first-hand where the system succeeds and where it fails, especially in preparing them for a rapidly changing digital economy.”

Momentum believes that responding to this year’s theme requires a genuine shift towards co-creation. First, youth leadership must be embedded in decision-making. Student councils,young parliamentarians and representative bodies should have a formal role in national education policy discussions, ensuring that those most affected by reform have a real voice in shaping it.

Second, innovation must mean more than new technologies in old classrooms. The dominance of a narrow, exam-driven model continues to marginalise many learners and contribute to stress and disengagement. A more flexible system that values creativity, practical skills and vocational pathways would allow young people to develop their strengths and contribute solutions to the learning challenges they see around them.

Finally, digital transformation must be guided by those who will live with its consequences. Young people should be directly involved in shaping how technology and artificial intelligence are introduced in schools, not merely as users, but as partners in research, ethics and design.

“Our students do not just need laptops but a more responsive education system,” Compagno said. “Investment is important, but it must translate into better outcomes, especially for those who are being left behind.”

On this International Day of Education, Momentum reaffirms its commitment to an inclusive education system that is forward-looking.  One that is collaboratively built with, not just for, young people. Empowering youth to co-create learning is a necessary step towards a fairer, more innovative future for Malta.

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