UNESCO Executive Board chairperson praises Qatar’s role in protecting education during conflict

Geneva: On Wednesday, Qatar's Permanent Mission to the United Nations Office at Geneva hosted a side event titled "Can Education Survive Attack: The Resilience of Human Communities," in collaboration with the Education Above All (EAA) Foundation. This marked the 7th International Day to Protect Education from Attack. The gathering saw participation from diplomatic missions, international and regional organizations, and individuals dedicated to safeguarding education and humanitarian efforts, alongside experts in education and the protection of children in conflict zones.

Dr. Hind Abdulrahman Al Muftah, the Permanent Representative of Qatar to the UN Office in Geneva, emphasized that while education must be protected, mere protection is insufficient. She highlighted the necessity of designing education systems to withstand attacks. Her Excellency stressed that safeguarding education demands proactive measures and called for the development of early warning systems, alternative learning environments, remote learning options, and emergency plans prior to crises occurring.

The event's keynote speaker, UN Office at Geneva Director-General Tatiana Valovaya, followed Dr. Al Muftah's remarks. The panel discussion featured insights from experts such as Hazel De Wet from UNICEF's Office of Emergency Programs, Lindsey Cameron from the International Committee of the Red Cross, Lili Ji from UNESCO's International Bureau of Education, and Moza Al Kamali from the EAA Foundation.

Moderated by Isis Alves from the Global Alliance to Protect Education from Attack, the panel addressed the scale of attacks on educational institutions, their impact on the continuity of education, and strategies for ensuring compliance with international humanitarian law, supporting the implementation of the Safe Schools Declaration, and promoting accountability for violations against education.

The event also included a video presentation featuring messages from prominent international figures, stressing the importance of bolstering global efforts to protect education in conflict zones. A photo exhibition followed, accompanied by the "Crosswalk" component of the #UniteToProtect campaign, showcasing a timeline of attacks on education to raise awareness about the critical need to protect educational facilities and ensure the uninterrupted delivery of education in conflict and crisis regions.