Applications Open for the 2026 Education Cannot Wait Youth and Student-led Sub-group Membership and Election

Youth-led and student-led organizations working to advance education in emergencies and crisis-affected communities are invited to apply for membership in the Education Cannot Wait (ECW) Youth and Student-led Sub-group.

The 2026 Membership and Election Call provides eligible organizations with an opportunity to join a global constituency that contributes to ECW’s governance and helps ensure that the perspectives of young people and crisis-affected communities are reflected in decision-making.

Through this opportunity, eligible organizations can apply for membership in the ECW Youth and Student-led Sub-group. Eligible organizations may also stand for election to represent the constituency on key ECW governance bodies, including the High-Level Steering Group (HLSG) and the Executive Committee (ExCom), for a two-year mandate.

About Education Cannot Wait and the Youth and Student-led Sub-group

Education Cannot Wait, commonly known as ECW, is a global fund and partnership dedicated to ensuring that children and young people affected by crises and emergencies have access to quality education.

The ECW Youth and Student-led Sub-group provides a platform for youth-led and student-led organizations to contribute to discussions on education in emergencies, participate in consultations on ECW policies and priorities, and help ensure that the perspectives of young people and crisis-affected communities are reflected in global education decision-making.

Opportunities Available Under the 2026 Call

The 2026 Membership and Election Call offers eligible organizations two key opportunities: applying for membership and standing for election.

Apply for Membership

Eligible youth-led and student-led organizations can apply to become members of the Education Cannot Wait Youth and Student-led Sub-group.

Membership provides organizations with the opportunity to participate in a global constituency focused on youth participation and education in crisis settings.

Members may be able to:

• Participate in consultations on ECW policies and priorities.
• Contribute perspectives on issues affecting young people and crisis-affected communities.
• Connect with organizations working in education in emergencies.
• Engage with a global network of youth-led and student-led organizations.
• Participate in elections for representatives of the constituency.
• Contribute to discussions related to education priorities and governance.

Through membership, organizations can engage with global stakeholders and contribute their knowledge and perspectives to discussions concerning education in emergencies and crisis-affected communities.

Stand for Election

Eligible organizations may also stand for election to represent the Youth and Student-led Sub-group on key ECW governance bodies.

Representatives may be elected to serve on:

• The High-Level Steering Group (HLSG).
• The Executive Committee (ExCom).

Elected representatives will serve a two-year mandate.

This presents an opportunity for eligible youth-led and student-led organizations to take on a formal representative role and help ensure that the perspectives of young people and crisis-affected communities are considered in high-level discussions and decision-making.

Benefits of Participating

Participation in the ECW Youth and Student-led Sub-group can provide several important benefits to eligible organizations.

Contribute to Global Education Policy Discussions

Members can participate in consultations related to ECW policies and priorities. This allows organizations working directly with young people and communities to contribute their experiences and perspectives to global discussions.

Represent Young People and Crisis-Affected Communities

The opportunity provides a platform for organizations to help ensure that the voices of young people and crisis-affected communities are considered in global education decision-making.

This is particularly important in contexts affected by conflict, displacement, natural disasters, and other humanitarian emergencies.

Build Global Connections and Partnerships

Members can connect with other organizations working in education in emergencies and related areas.

These connections can support:

• Knowledge exchange.
• Partnership development.
• Collaboration.
• Sharing of experiences.
• The development of effective approaches to education challenges.

Participate in Governance

In addition to networking and consultation opportunities, eligible members can participate in elections for representatives of the constituency.

Organizations that stand for election may have the opportunity to represent the Youth and Student-led Sub-group on the ECW High-Level Steering Group or Executive Committee.

Eligibility Requirements

The opportunity is intended for eligible organizations rather than individual applicants.

Organizations interested in applying should be:

• Not-for-profit organizations.
• Youth-led or student-led organizations.
• Working in education, emergencies, or crisis contexts.
• Eligible under the requirements set out in the official Membership & Election Guidance Note.

Organizations should carefully review the complete eligibility criteria before submitting a membership application or election nomination.

The Membership & Election Guidance Note provides additional information on eligibility requirements, the application process, the election process, member responsibilities, and other important requirements for participating organizations.

Countries and Regions Eligible to Apply

The opportunity is open to eligible organizations from around the world.

The information provided does not restrict applications to a specific country, race, or continent. However, organizations must meet the relevant eligibility requirements outlined in the official guidance documents.

Interested organizations should consult the full Membership & Election Guidance Note for detailed information on eligibility and organizational requirements.

Important Dates

The key dates for the 2026 ECW Youth and Student-led Sub-group Membership and Election Call are as follows:

• Membership applications open: 6 July 2026.
• Deadline for membership applications and election nominations: 26 July 2026.
• Voting period: 3–5 August 2026.
• Announcement of elected representatives: 7 August 2026.

Application Deadline

The deadline for membership applications and election nominations is 26 July 2026.

Organizations interested in participating are encouraged to begin preparing their applications early to ensure that they have sufficient time to review the eligibility requirements and submit all necessary information before the deadline.

How to Apply

Eligible organizations can apply through the appropriate application process.

Organizations seeking membership in the ECW Youth and Student-led Sub-group should complete the Membership Application Form HERE

Organizations wishing to stand for election to represent the constituency should complete the Election Nomination Form HERE

Applicants should also download and carefully review the Membership & Election Guidance Note before submitting their application or nomination.

The guidance note provides important information regarding:

• Eligibility.
• The membership process.
• The election process.
• Member responsibilities.
• The role of elected representatives.

Election Process

Following the application and nomination period, voting is scheduled to take place from 3 to 5 August 2026.

The elected representatives are expected to be announced on 7 August 2026.

Organizations seeking to stand for election should ensure that they understand the election process and meet all relevant requirements before submitting their nominations.

Steps to Take Before Applying

Interested organizations should consider the following steps before applying:

1. Review the eligibility requirements carefully and confirm that the organization qualifies to participate.
2. Download and read the Membership & Election Guidance Note to understand the requirements, responsibilities, and election process.
3. Determine whether the organization will apply for membership, stand for election, or pursue both opportunities where permitted.
4. Prepare the required organizational information and supporting details before completing the relevant form.
5. Complete the appropriate Membership Application Form or Election Nomination Form.
6. Submit the application or nomination before the deadline of 26 July 2026.
7. Contact the relevant representative if clarification is required.

Questions about the opportunity can be directed to Hector Ulloa, the current ExCom Representative for the ECW Youth and Student-led Sub-group, at hector@globalstudentforum.org.

Why This Opportunity Matters

Young people and students are among those most directly affected by education disruptions resulting from conflict, displacement, natural disasters, humanitarian emergencies, and other crises.

At the same time, youth-led and student-led organizations often have direct knowledge of the challenges affecting young people and communities in these contexts.

The ECW Youth and Student-led Sub-group provides an important platform for these perspectives to contribute to global discussions and governance.

By joining the sub-group or participating in the election process, eligible organizations can contribute to strengthening youth participation in education decision-making and help promote greater consideration of the needs and experiences of children and young people affected by crises.

For more membership opportunities, visit OFY Website HERE

Conclusion

The 2026 Education Cannot Wait Youth and Student-led Sub-group Membership and Election Call offers an important opportunity for eligible not-for-profit youth-led and student-led organizations working in education, emergencies, and crisis contexts.

Successful members can participate in consultations on ECW policies and priorities, connect with organizations working in education in emergencies, and participate in elections for representatives to the constituency’s governance bodies.

Eligible organizations may also stand for election to represent the Youth and Student-led Sub-group on the High-Level Steering Group and Executive Committee for a two-year mandate.

Organizations interested in participating should carefully review the official Membership & Election Guidance Note, complete the appropriate application or nomination form, and submit their materials before the deadline.

Deadline: 26 July 2026.