At UNESCO’s Executive Board Meeting, Qatar Calls for Concerted International Efforts to Protect Education from Attacks

The State of Qatar called on member states of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) to join efforts within the framework of UNESCO's action plan for the Executive Board's decision to protect education from attacks, and to protect this basic right as there is no safe future without education. This came in a speech today by HE Permanent Representative of the State of Qatar to UNESCO Dr. Nasser bin Hamad Al Hanzab before the General Session of the UNESCO's Executive Board, which continues until October 23. His Excellency said that the world is witnessing the largest humanitarian disaster in the Gaza Strip, as the Israeli aggression has claimed the lives of more than 41,000 people with this number increasing, including 17,000 children and 11,000 women, in addition to the complete destruction of schools and universities, heritage sites and museums, and the death of 177 journalists, noting the expansion of the Israeli aggression on Lebanon. The international community has f ailed to put an end to these blatant violations of humanity, as the aggression on Lebanon has caused the displacement of children and deprived them of their right to education, he noted. Qatar's Permanent Representative to UNESCO stressed that Qatar continues to work together with all member states and UNESCO in its various sectors, and to exert more efforts to achieve the noble goals of the organization, especially achieving the goals of the UNESCO's strategy 2026-2029 in light of the critical circumstances witnessed by the entire world, while stressing the need to enhance the principle of transparency and wise management in implementing UNESCO's strategy. Dr. Nasser Al Hanzab highlighted Qatar's efforts in the context of protecting the right to education, as international partners from international organizations, countries and civil society institutions met in Doha in an event held under the title "Education in Peril: The Human Cost of War", on the occasion of the International Day to Protect Education F rom Attack last September, during which the effects of wars on children were discussed, with an emphasis on the urgent need and united stance towards protecting education in times of war and conflict, and addressing the challenges that threaten the safety and accessibility of education, especially in areas of the world devastated by conflicts. His Excellency also noted Qatars efforts through signing a memorandum of understanding with Canada in the field of development cooperation, and another framework agreement for international cooperation in the field of education and development with a total value of US$95 million to enhance youth employment and empowerment. Education Above All Foundation pledged to provide US$40 million for various initiatives, with the aim of reaching youth and children through education and employment, while empowering youth, enhancing their skills and providing job opportunities to develop human and economic development in societies. Last June, the State of Qatar launched Debt Relie f for Education initiative in cooperation with the World Bank and Education Above All to address the challenges posed by sovereign debt and explore appropriate methods and frameworks to address issues arising from debt, he added, noting that Qatar, at the national level, launched its National Education Strategy 2024-2030 in line with achieving the goals of the human development pillar of the National Vision 2030, which contributes to identifying opportunities and overcoming challenges in the coming years through innovation and excellence in education, enhancing teachers skills and developing them professionally, and preparing a generation capable of facing the challenges of the future. He stressed that the State of Qatar has adopted an effective national policy to ensure that cultural dialogue is the cornerstone of the countrys policy and its relationship with the world as a whole, and to encourage the adoption of a forward-looking approach that addresses the challenges of human development and the aspiratio ns of future generations by promoting interfaith dialogue and the alliance of civilizations, both of which are of utmost importance in todays world, which is witnessing the growth of fanaticism and extremism, in an effort to build bridges with other countries and cultures and enhance global cooperation and understanding. Dr. Nasser Al Hanzab reiterated that the State of Qatar will continue its vital role in the international arena to support peace and stability and contribute to the peaceful settlement of conflicts and disputes by enhancing the educational process, strengthening international cooperation and solidarity in multilateral efforts and enhancing cooperation and dialogue to confront global challenges. Source: Qatar News Agency