Advocating for the Protection of Education: UN Urges Tech Companies to Assist Vulnerable Children
In a recent high-level event at the United Nations Headquarters in New York City, Her Highness Sheikha Moza bint Nasser, Chairperson of Education Above All and UN Sustainable Development Goal Advocate, emphasized the urgent need to protect education and called upon technology companies to help vulnerable children.
During her speech, Her Highness expressed her concern for the hardships faced by children and young people in conflict-affected areas. She stressed the significance of universities as places of learning and joy, where dreams are meant to be realized rather than destroyed. Protecting education from violence is of utmost importance, and the international community must intervene to prevent attacks on education.
According to Her Highness, the victims of these attacks, particularly children and young people who have never experienced stability or peace, have a fundamental right to education. She highlighted the necessity of breaking the cycle and redesigning education in a way that makes it more accessible. Her Highness also emphasized the potential of technology to bring accelerated learning to millions, thus ensuring education reaches the most vulnerable children.
To further their efforts, a new Youth Advisory Group to Protect Education from Attack (YAGPEA) was announced during the event. Comprised of young individuals from diverse backgrounds, this group will offer guidance to the UN and global decision-makers, ensuring that those directly affected by attacks on education have a say in policies and decisions aimed at safeguarding education amidst conflict and crisis. The establishment of YAGPEA comes as a result of a partnership between the UN and the EAA foundation.
UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres echoed the importance of ending attacks on education, urging all countries to endorse the safe schools declaration, which outlines practical measures and practices to protect educational institutions and the individuals within them.
The event also featured speeches from Dennis Francis, the President of the UN General Assembly, and Dr. Julius Maada Bio, the President of the Republic of Sierra Leone. Their contributions emphasized the significance of safeguarding education in conflict-affected regions and the urgent need for global action to address this issue.
As part of her visit, Her Highness also had an opportunity to tour the exhibition titled Unbreakable Dreams: Protecting Education in Times of Conflict. The exhibition showcases poignant photographs that document the devastating impact of attacks on education on the lives of children, young people, and educators in conflict-affected regions.
The call for protecting education has never been more crucial, and the UN, alongside its partners and advocates like Her Highness Sheikha Moza bint Nasser, continues to work tirelessly to ensure that all children have access to quality education, regardless of the challenging circumstances they may face. By joining forces with technology companies and fostering youth engagement, the international community is taking significant strides toward building a safer and more inclusive future for vulnerable children around the world.
