Delivering the Voices of 3,942 People Nationwide! 18 Children and Youth Propose Educational Issues to Political Parties and Ministries - 'SDG 4 Voices Action'

The Japan NGO Network for Educational Cooperation (JNNE) has released the aggregated results of opinions gathered through the 'SDG 4 Voices Action,' conducted as part of the 'SDG4 Education Campaign 2026.' (Campaign Secretariat: Free The Children Japan, Certified NPO). A total of 3,942 children, students, and citizens from across the country participated in this action, submitting their opinions on educational issues in Japan and globally. Based on these survey results, 18 selected children and youth lobbying members have drafted policy proposals. From June to July, these members will engage in dialogues with political parties and relevant ministries to achieve these proposals.

What is 'SDG 4 Voices Action'?

'SDG 4 Voices Action' is a participatory campaign aimed at realizing SDG Goal 4, 'Quality Education for All,' by enabling each citizen to learn about and express their opinions on educational issues.

For fiscal year 2026, four themes were set, and responses to questions related to these themes were collected from 3,942 people nationwide through online surveys, classes/workshops, and research companies.

Themes for Fiscal Year 2026

1) Promotion of Children's Rights Education

2) Ensuring Education for Children with Foreign Roots

3) Expanding Contributions to Education Cannot Wait (ECW)

4) Japan's Endorsement of the 'Safe Schools Declaration'

Toyoda Otani High School (Aichi Prefecture) Nagoya City Kita High School (Aichi Prefecture)

Bunsei University of Art High School (Tochigi Prefecture) Center for Children's Rights (C-Rights)

Overview of Aggregated Results

For details and comments on the aggregated results, click here.

'SDG 4 Voices Action' - Report on Aggregated Results

Children and Youth Create Proposals for Political Parties and Ministries

Based on the aggregated results, 18 children and youth lobbying members, all under 24 years old and selected through an open call, took the lead in discussing and drafting proposals. Many of these members have backgrounds relevant to the themes, such as having foreign roots or experiencing school refusal, bringing their own experiences and thoughts to deeply discuss what should be communicated to political parties and ministries, and completing the messages for the proposals for each theme.

The proposals are based on the belief that education is essential for the formation of individual character and the cultivation of diverse values, and is a fundamental human right for all people to live with dignity. They present recommendations for realizing a society where 'no one is left behind.' Furthermore, they call on the Japanese government to further address domestic and international educational issues through the promotion of children's rights education, ensuring education for children with foreign roots, protecting schools in conflict zones, and expanding support for education in crises, which are the themes of this campaign.

Delivering Citizens' Thoughts on Education to Political Parties and Ministries!

From June to July, JNNE and the children and youth lobbying members will engage in dialogues with various political parties and relevant ministries to achieve the realization of the proposals and the voices of the 3,942 people gathered through 'SDG 4 Voices Action.' Education is a fundamental human right that should be guaranteed to all. JNNE will continue its activities with the aim of creating a society where the voices of citizens, especially children and youth themselves, are reflected in educational policies.

About the SDG4 Education Campaign

The Japan NGO Network for Educational Cooperation (JNNE) is a network organization of international cooperation NGOs working in the field of education. Every year, in conjunction with the international 'Global Action Week for Education,' JNNE conducts the 'SDG4 Education Campaign' to raise awareness and advocate for policies to realize the right to education.