Education Above All Foundation marks International Day to Protect Education from Attack

Education Above All Foundation (EAA) commemorates International Day to Protect Education from Attack on 9 September, a day dedicated to safeguarding students, teachers, schools, and learning spaces endangered by war, conflict, displacement, and insecurity. This year's observance, themed "Can Education Survive Attack? The Resilience of Human Communities," underscores the ability of education systems, communities, and young people to maintain learning even in the most challenging circumstances.

The day also emphasizes the necessity of preparedness, adaptation, recovery, and accountability to ensure education persists during and after attacks. Established in 2020 through a United Nations General Assembly resolution led by the State of Qatar and Her Highness Sheikha Moza bint Nasser, the day draws attention to the millions of children and young people whose education is threatened by war and conflict.

According to the Global Coalition to Protect Education from Attack's 2026 report, at least 9,259 attacks on education were recorded in 2024 and 2025, a 50% increase from previous years. These attacks resulted in the harm of at least 10,600 students, teachers, professors, and education staff. The report identified Colombia, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Ethiopia, Haiti, Palestine, and Ukraine as the most affected regions, with over 2,100 incidents of military use of schools and universities.

Mohammed Al-Kubaisi, CEO of EAA, stated that education can survive attacks if systems are built to withstand such threats. This year's observance highlights that protection alone is insufficient; education must be designed to survive attacks, ensuring continuous learning despite damaged facilities or unsafe environments. The resilience of communities and young people is also acknowledged, as they often find innovative ways to sustain learning in crisis settings.

To highlight the data, EAA Foundation will present The Crosswalk in Paris and Geneva, a visual timeline of verified attacks on schools. In Paris, the installation will be shown at UNESCO Headquarters from 9 to 13 September, accompanied by a digital display featuring key facts, campaign messages, and an interactive prompt urging, "Can Education Survive Attack?"

In Geneva, a high-level event at the Palais des Nations will feature The Crosswalk alongside photographs and digital content showcasing the resilience of affected learners and communities. The observance also promotes the #UniteToProtect campaign, encouraging solidarity from all sectors to reaffirm the importance of protecting education in all circumstances.