Geneva: The Permanent Mission of the State of Qatar to the United Nations Office at Geneva organized a side event titled "Can Education Survive Attack? The Resilience of Human Communities" on Wednesday. This event, held in cooperation with the Education Above All (EAA) Foundation, marked the 7th International Day to Protect Education from Attack.
According to Qatar News Agency, the event was attended by representatives from diplomatic missions, international and regional organizations, and entities focused on protecting education and humanitarian efforts. Experts and specialists in education and child protection in conflict zones were also present.
In her opening address, Dr. Hind Abdulrahman Al Muftah, Permanent Representative of the State of Qatar to the United Nations Office in Geneva, emphasized the necessity of designing education systems that can endure attacks. She highlighted the importance of preparedness, adaptation, and recovery mechanisms to ensure the continuity of education during and after such incidents.
Dr. Al Muftah underscored the need for proactive systems to protect education. She called for investments in early warning systems, alternative learning infrastructures, distance education solutions, and emergency planning to be made before crises occur. Additionally, she stressed the importance of coupling resilience with accountability, urging the international community to adhere to international humanitarian law and hold perpetrators accountable for attacks on education.
The event featured a keynote address by Tatiana Valovaya, Director-General of the United Nations Office at Geneva. The panel discussion included notable speakers 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. The discussion was moderated by Isis Alves, Advocacy Officer at the Global Alliance to Protect Education from Attack.
Discussions at the event focused on the magnitude of attacks on educational institutions, the impact on educational continuity, and strategies to enhance compliance with international humanitarian law. Participants also explored ways to support the implementation of international law, the Safe Schools Declaration, and promote accountability for violations targeting education.
The event concluded with a video presentation featuring messages from senior officials and international figures. These messages highlighted the importance of bolstering international efforts to protect education from attacks and ensuring the continuity of education during conflicts and crises.