A Voice Without Influence Is Not Enough
UNESCO’s 2026 Lead with Youth report shows a clear gap between participation and influence. Only one in three countries has a formal body for youth or student involvement in education decisions. Among surveyed youth organizations, 57% had been consulted during policy design, but only 35% felt their feedback was actually considered.
As a student, that difference matters to me. Being asked for an opinion can look inclusive without changing anything. Student leadership becomes meaningful only when our ideas can affect decisions and when institutions explain what happened afterward.
Students do not need more opportunities to be displayed as participants. We need clear ways to contribute, challenge, and follow through.
Comments