(ANS – Cebu City) – During the Institutions of Higher Studies (ISS-FMA), Fourth World Meeting, (9-13 March 2026) held in the Philippines under the theme “Empowerment of Young People to Become Protagonists of Social Change,” Fr. Dr George Thadathil, SDB, delivered a session titled “Challenges Facing Youth Education in the Contemporary World.” The event brings together educators and leaders to strengthen the mission of the FMA Institutions of Higher Studies to empower educators and young people in matters of social responsibility.

Fr. Thadathil, representing the Salesians of Don Bosco and working with the Salesian Institutions of Higher Education (IUS) network in Rome, structured his reflection around three major perspectives: global transformations affecting society, cross-cultural transitions shaping modern education, and the practical challenges educators face when engaging young people today

In the first part of his presentation, Fr. Thadathil explored the rapid socio-economic, cultural, and religious transformations shaping the contemporary world. These global changes, he explained, deeply influence the realities young people face and therefore require educators to rethink the purpose and methods of education.

He emphasised that modern higher education has historically been rooted in Christian traditions that emphasised service to the vulnerable and the transformation of faith into action. This heritage, he noted, remains relevant today as educational institutions seek to address societal needs while fostering socially responsible citizens.

The second dimension of the session focused on how modernity has interacted with different cultures across the world. According to Fr. Thadathil, the encounter between modern science, rational thought, and diverse cultural traditions has shaped educational systems in different ways.

These cross-cultural transitions have produced both opportunities and tensions. While modern education has promoted critical thinking and innovation, it has also challenged traditional values and cultural identities. For educators, the task is to help students navigate these complexities while fostering cross-cultural dialogue.