Each year, the Steering Committee identifies the themes that will guide GSF’s work. This year’s priorities reflect the challenges facing students worldwide, from growing inequality to climate impacts and shrinking democratic space.
A central focus is Education for All. GSF will continue to defend free, quality, inclusive, and public education, and call for stronger global financing that treats education as a public good rather than a commodity. The priorities emphasise digital equality, responsible governance of AI, critical media literacy, and the meaningful inclusion of students in shaping education systems. GSF will also advocate for removing financial barriers to learning and increasing support for refugees, displaced students, and those facing discrimination.
Another major priority is Democracy, Peace, and Human Rights. In a time of global tensions, GSF will champion education’s role in promoting peace, dialogue, and democratic participation. The organisation will stand with students affected by conflict, defend academic freedom, and support student movements working to protect civic space.
The priority on Climate, Social, and Territorial Justice highlights the deep links between the climate crisis and social inequality. GSF will strengthen student-led climate action, promote climate education, and adopt an intersectional approach that centres the experiences of marginalised communities. The organisation will also support student co-governance in institutional climate plans and emphasise mental health as part of climate resilience.
To deliver on this agenda, GSF will invest in its own organisational strength. The 2026 priorities include strengthening governance, ensuring regional balance, building sustainable financing, and expanding member engagement through learning platforms and solidarity actions. GSF will also continue to grow its media work to highlight the perspectives and struggles of students globally.
Finally, GSF reaffirms its commitment to international engagement. As the SDGs enter their final phase, GSF will work to ensure student voices shape global debates on education, decent work, climate justice, and human rights. The organisation will strengthen its role across the UN system, deepen alliances with youth and civil society networks, and build capacity for students to participate effectively in global decision-making.
Together, these priorities outline an ambitious vision for a more just, sustainable, and democratic future shaped by the leadership of students worldwide.
