The year 2024 was one of environmental, military, and democratic perils, yet these have only reaffirmed the belief we hold most dear, that the best way to shape the future is to empower young people to sit in the driver’s seat! Now more than ever, they need the right tools for taking action and effecting change.
We’re not the only ones who believe that the pivot point for a better world is young people. UN Secretary General António Guterres recently tweeted, “Young people: You are leading the charge for urgent #Climate Action” and has stated “[Young people’s] vision and commitment are paramount to creating a more sustainable and inclusive world.” Statements from the UN are one thing, and its actions another: in September of 2024, the 79th UN General Assembly adopted the Pact for the Future, a resolution that endorses greater input from young people in governance both national and supranational.
We see the UN’s words and actions as harbingers affirming the trail we’ve long been blazing as well as encouragement to persevere in our mission (see our 2023/2024 annual report). Key to that mission is forging major partnerships with the likes of United Nations University and bolstering long-standing partnerships with UNESCO and others. All this is to say that, in 2025, the Learning Planet Institute will fight alongside the youth to guarantee they have a seat at every table where decisions are being made that affect them. We will continue working with children, teens, and students of all ages to change the face of education such that educational institutions are made by young people for young people and impart the skills they need to tackle the great challenges we face now and in future.
Education must change its focus from creating the best students in the world to the best students for the world.
In the face of worry, we insist on having hope. Wherever you are in the world, join us for our sixth-annual LearningPlanet Festival taking place January 23-25, 2025, to mark the International Day of Education.
Best wishes to you and yours in the new year!
François Taddei
President of the Learning Planet Institute
