As the world faces climate change, conflict, displacement, technological transformation, and widening inequalities, the need to invest in education has never been greater. Education remains one of the most powerful tools for expanding opportunity, strengthening resilience, promoting inclusion, and building peaceful and prosperous societies.

Taking place during GPE's financing campaign, the 2026 Futures Festival will focus on reimagining education for a future shaped by climate change, conflict, technological transformation, and growing inequality. It will bring together youth leaders, policymakers, development partners, and advocates to explore a central question: What possibilities become achievable when we invest in education?

Through intergenerational dialogue, personal storytelling, dynamic discussions and interactive sessions, participants will explore several key topics shaping the future of education.

Speakers:

• Laura Frigenti, GPE CEO

• H.E. Dr. Oung Borat, Secretary of State of the Ministry of Education, Youth and Sport /Vice Minister, Cambodia

• Kassaga Arinaitwe, Senior Director, Emerging Leaders & Public Engagement, Teach For All

• Tunde Onakoya, Global Chess Grandmaster, and the Founder of Chess Slums in Africa

• Innocent Sibanda, Youth Board, Programs and Advocacy Lead, ZINASU

• Valentine Mugun, Vice President, Organization of African Students and YL Alumni

• Linda Dassah, GPE Youth Leader, Ghana

• Soyun Kim, GPE Youth Leader, Korea

• Maha Essa, GPE Youth Leader, Syria

• Bethelhem Mihret, GPE Youth Leader, Ethiopia

• Che Myra Ndum, GPE Youth Leader, Cameroon

• John Whippy, GPE Youth Leader, Fiji

• Khauong Punroth Pich, GPE Youth Leader, Cambodia

• Novia Kusherawati Kuswana, GPE Youth Leader, Indonesia

• Sirine Amri, GPE Youth Leader, Tunisia

• Rejina Gharti Magar, GPE Youth Leader, Nepal

• Winifred Maduko, GPE Youth Leader, UK

• Ramy Lebbos, GPE Youth Leader, Lebanon

• Inioluwa Ogunkeye, GPE Youth Leader, Nigeria