Education shapes lives in lasting ways. It influences opportunities, stability, and the ability to imagine a future beyond immediate circumstances. Yet for millions of young people around the world, access to quality education remains uncertain or out of reach.
The United Nations established January 24 as International Day of Education to recognize education’s role in peace and sustainable development. For 2026, UNESCO’s focus is especially timely: young people as partners in shaping modern, inclusive education systems.
Young people make up more than half of the global population. They are also the group most directly affected by how education works—or fails. Persistent barriers, from poverty and inequality to displacement and limited access to schooling, continue to shape what learning looks like and who benefits from it.
On International Day of Education, the challenge is not simply to value education, but to reconsider how it is designed and who gets a voice in that process.
That’s where the following TED Talks come in. Over the years, speakers have examined what supports learning, what undermines it and what might help education systems respond more effectively to a changing world.
Motivation is often framed as something students either possess or lack. Eliseo Fernández Barrionuevo suggests a different way of looking at it.
Drawing on research and experience across classrooms and countries, he explains how motivation can transfer from one context to another. Interests that students already care deeply about — sports, games, creative pursuits — can become entry points for learning when educators take the time to connect them to the curriculum.
Rather than asking why students seem disengaged, his work invites educators to notice where energy already exists. When learning feels relevant, motivation follows.
Rita Pierson’s talk centers on a truth that is easy to overlook in policy discussions: students learn best when they feel seen.
After decades in education, she argues that no amount of reform can replace the impact of human connection. One line captures her message plainly: kids don’t learn from people they don’t like.
Pierson speaks about teaching as relational work—apologizing when mistakes are made, recognizing progress even when it’s small, and refusing to write off the students who struggle most.
Her point isn’t about being nice for the sake of it. It’s about what works. Students are more willing to try, to listen and to stay when they feel a genuine connection to the adult in the room.
It’s hard to talk about education in 2026 without talking about artificial intelligence.
Sal Khan addresses common fears about AI in the classroom, then reframes the conversation. Used thoughtfully, he argues, AI could help address one of education’s long-standing challenges: providing personalized support at scale.
By acting as a tutor for students and an assistant for teachers, AI has the potential to expand access to feedback, guidance and practice — without replacing human educators. Khan emphasizes that design choices matter. The goal is not automation for its own sake, but tools that support learning rather than shortcut it.
International Day of Education is a moment to pause and reflect.
Education is a human right, but it is also a system shaped by decisions—around leadership, technology and whose perspectives are valued.
There isn’t one fix here. But there is a common thread: attention to how students experience learning, and who gets included when decisions are made.
Reid Kersey is a software engineer and entrepreneur who has been a volunteer with TEDxAtlanta for 10 years. A graduate of Georgia Tech, he is passionate about finding new ideas that can change the world and the way we live in it. Read more about how he applies this passion toward being a Stage Manager at TEDxAtlanta.
What first sparked your interest in TEDx?
While studying at Georgia Tech in 2015, I came across an email inviting volunteers to join TEDxPeachtree (now TEDxAtlanta). The idea of being part of an organization dedicated to sharing ideas and inspiring change immediately resonated with me. I joined the Stage Management team and have been stage managing TEDx shows ever since. It’s become one of my favorite ways to give back and stay connected to a community of innovative thinkers.
What’s your favorite TED Talk or TEDx Talk?
My favorite TED Talk is “How Great Leaders Inspire Action” by Simon Sinek. His message about leading with purpose and inspiring others by example deeply resonates with me. It’s a reminder that great leadership starts with clarity of vision and a commitment to authenticity.
If you could describe your volunteer experience with TEDxAtlanta in three words, what would they be?
Dynamic, energizing, rewarding
What is your favorite memory from your time working with TEDxAtlanta?
One of my favorite memories was the year we had to assemble a full-sized submarine on stage during a short intermission. It was an ambitious challenge requiring all hands on deck, precise coordination, and countless rehearsals. In the end, we managed to execute it seamlessly in just a few minutes while the emcee spoke to the audience. Moments like this remind me how rewarding it is to work behind the scenes. Every year brings a unique set of challenges, but there’s nothing quite like the feeling of seeing the event come together flawlessly and knowing you played a role in making it happen.
What is something that may surprise people about TEDx?
Despite all the months of meticulous planning, there are always last-minute adjustments and discoveries during tech rehearsals. Live shows demand a balance of careful preparation and adaptability on the day of the event. Our goal is to make everything appear effortless to the audience. When we succeed, it’s because everyone worked together to ensure every detail was accounted for and every challenge was met with a solution.
How has TEDx helped you grow professionally and/or personally?
TEDx has introduced me to a network of incredibly talented and curious individuals who are passionate about learning and sharing ideas. Being part of this community has helped me grow both personally and professionally by fostering connections, encouraging collaboration, and inspiring me to think more broadly about the world. Volunteering with TEDx has been a transformative experience. Listening to speakers share their passions and ideas not only inspires me but also gives me a fresh perspective on life. It’s hard not to take something meaningful away from each talk, and those lessons often influence how I approach my own work and personal growth.
Why should others volunteer with TEDx?
Volunteering with TEDx is an unforgettable experience that allows you to be part of something truly impactful. At its core, TEDx is about spreading knowledge, and knowledge is at the root of what changes the world. By contributing your time and skills, you’re helping bring transformative ideas to life and sharing them with others who are eager to learn and grow. In a small but meaningful way, you’re playing a role in making the world a better place—one idea at a time.
