New agreement marks a commitment to fostering meaningful youth and student engagement in higher education

In a significant development for youth and students’ involvement in higher education policy and governance, the UNESCO International Institute for Higher Education in Latin America and the Caribbean (IESALC) and the Global Student Forum (GSF) recently signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU). This agreement marks a commitment to fostering meaningful youth and student participation in higher education discussions and decision-making processes, positioning young people and students as integral partners in shaping the future of education.  

The GSF is the worldwide umbrella organization for the world’s largest representative, autonomous, and democratic student unions for secondary and university students. GSF represents and promotes the educational, cultural, economic, and social interests of more than 300 million students worldwide. With a democratic governance structure, the GSF encourages networking, solidarity, capacity building, cooperation, analysis and strategy, advocacy, and ideals such as education, feminism, environmental justice, democracy, human rights, and international cooperation. The GSF promotes educational fairness, social equality, and student rights across the world via collaboration, empowerment, and elevating student voices. 

Key highlights of the agreement  

• Youth and student observer representation 

One of the outstanding features of this MoU is the provision for a Youth/Student Observer Seat on the IESALC Governing Board. This arrangement ensures that the voices of youth and student voices are heard directly within the governance structure of IESALC, allowing them to share insights, ask questions, and contribute to decision-making processes as equals among all stakeholders. 

• Meaningful youth and student engagement in projects 

The MoU also outlines collaborative efforts to engage youth and student advisors in various IESALC projects. Young leaders and students will have the opportunity to participate in activities such as conducting surveys, supporting outreach efforts, facilitating consultations and dialogues, organizing events, publishing shared resources, communicating policy initiatives, and monitoring and evaluating projects. This hands-on involvement not only nurtures individual talent but also influences broader systemic changes. 

• Institutional strategy design 

UNESCO IESALC will work alongside the GSF Steering Committee to develop a comprehensive youth and student strategy that reflects the needs and aspirations of youth and students across UNESCO regions. This initiative will ensure that youth and student perspectives are woven into institutional frameworks, further solidifying their role as agents of change. 

• The broader impact 

Both IESALC and GSF are strongly committed to supporting the 2030 Agenda, achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), and Our Community Agenda policy briefs on “Meaningful Youth Engagement in Policy making and Decision-making Processes,” as well as the policy brief on “Transforming Education”. By actively engaging young people and students in these efforts, the organizations recognize their vital role in driving innovation and promoting inclusivity in education. 

Moving forward, this collaboration will not only benefit the immediate stakeholders but will resonate across institutions and national landscapes. Giving youth and students and youth to influence educational policy is a step toward a more equitable and representative education sector. 

• A new era of meaningful engagement 

The signing of this MoU between IESALC and GSF marks a new era of engagement for youth and students in higher education. By formalizing their partnership, both organizations are paving the way for constructive dialogue, shared knowledge, and collaborative action that will undoubtedly lead to transformative outcomes.  

As the education landscape continues to evolve, the voices of young people and students are essential. They hold the key to innovative ideas and solutions that can address the challenges faced by higher education today. Through this collaboration, IESALC and GSF are not only amplifying these voices but are also charting a path toward a more inclusive and equitable educational future. 

• Acknowledgment  

We would like to express our heartfelt gratitude to all the young people and students involved in this collaborative effort, whose passion and commitment to educational reform are invaluable. Special thanks to the former Executive Director of the Global Student Forum, Sebastian Berger, and the current Executive Director of the Global Student Forum, Jacob Blasius, for their pivotal role in facilitating this Memorandum of Understanding. Your dedication to fostering youth engagement has been instrumental in this significant milestone for higher education. 

Advisory members:  Anna Weinrich (Denmark), Ashlegh Pfunye (Zimbabwe), Bradley Yombon-Copio, (Papua New Guinea), Ellen Dixon (New Zealand), Emmanuel Owusu (Ghana), Ergon Cugler (Brazil), Grace Franco (Australia), Jacob Blasius (Denmark),  Katrīna Sproģe (Latvia), Petr Franc (Czech Republic) and Sara Isabel Klinger Muñoz (Colombia).