EAA Foundation marks International Day to Protect Education from Attack

Doha, Qatar: The Education Above All (EAA) Foundation, a global education and development organization, commemorated the International Day to Protect Education from Attack on September 9th. The day underscores the critical need to shield students, educators, schools, universities, and learning environments from the perils of war, conflict, displacement, and insecurity.

This year's focus, "Can Education Survive Attack? The Resilience of Human Communities," prompts reflection on the capacity of educational systems, families, and young individuals to maintain learning in even the most trying conditions.

Established via a resolution from Qatar, spearheaded by H.H. Sheikha Moza bint Nasser and unanimously adopted by the United Nations General Assembly in 2020, the International Day to Protect Education from Attack aims to protect educational institutions from becoming targets of aggression. According to the 2026 Education Under Attack report by the Global Coalition to Protect Education from Attack, there was a more than 50 percent surge in education-related attacks and military use of schools and universities in 2024-2025 compared to the preceding reporting period, with at least 9,259 documented incidents.

Mohammed Al-Kubaisi, CEO of EAA Foundation, remarked, "Education can survive attack, but only if we choose to construct systems capable of survival. Schools are not targets, teachers are not combatants, and children's futures are not collateral damage. Protecting education must transcend mere reconstruction after damage; it must encompass readiness, safe learning routes, alternative educational avenues, psychosocial support, and accountability for offenders."

This year's observance emphasizes that mere protection is insufficient. Education systems must inherently be resilient, ensuring continuity of learning even when facilities are compromised, occupied, closed, or pose safety risks. Central to the 2026 theme is the acknowledgment of communities and youth as pivotal defenders of education.

EAA Foundation, in collaboration with partners, is showcasing The Crosswalk in Paris and Geneva as an interactive installation representing the magnitude of education attacks through a visual display. In Paris, the event will run from September 9 to 13 at UNESCO Headquarters, accompanied by a digital platform offering crucial data, campaign messages, and prompts urging reflection on the resilience of education.