Presenting the Call and Reflection Document in Paris
On 3 and 4 September 2026, eleven young leaders engaged in direct dialogue with Khaled El-Enany, Director-General of UNESCO, and H.E. Mr. Jean-Noël Barrot, Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs of France. This significant exchange took place at UNESCO Headquarters and France’s Fabrique de la Diplomatie at the Sorbonne.
Both the Director-General and the Minister underscored the essential role of youth in fostering peace and tackling today’s challenges. They emphasized that young people should not be sidelined but placed at the forefront of discussions.
Key Statements
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Khaled El-Enany highlighted: “Peace … requires creativity, imagination, patience, and tools. The role of UNESCO is to equip new generations with these tools.”
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Jean-Noël Barrot remarked: “UNESCO embodies the spirit of peace within the UN system. This spirit is a future-oriented commitment for young people to uphold and pass on.”
The Call and Reflection Document
The document outlines practical proposals on how UNESCO can further its peace-building mission, especially during crises. It advocates for:
- Enhanced youth participation in decision-making processes.
- Increased investment in critical areas of UNESCO’s mandate, including:
- Inclusive education
- Climate action
- Open Science
- Ethical AI development
- Cultural heritage protection
- Access to reliable information
The emphasis is placed on empowering youth as partners in tackling global issues, fostering resilience, and promoting intercultural dialogue. It also stresses the necessity for UNESCO’s leadership to translate into real benefits for communities, especially those underserved or affected by conflict and climate change.
Youth as a Priority Group
This consultation marks a significant commitment by UNESCO to recognize youth as a global priority. It demonstrates the Organization’s dedication to creating meaningful avenues for young people to influence its strategic direction and participate actively in program implementation.
The Call by Young People is part of the broader UNESCO80 reform initiative, which will be presented to UNESCO’s Member States during the Executive Board session in October 2026.
