Director-General's remarks for the Opening of the photo exhibition following the High-Level Event to mark the International Day to Protect Education from Attack

Opening of the photo exhibition following the High-Level Event to mark the International Day to Protect Education from Attack 

Tuesday, 10 September 2024, at 1.00 p.m.

Door 40, Palais des Nations

Delivered on behalf of the Director-General by Ms. Lidiya Grigoreva, Cheffe de Cabinet of the Director-General of the United Nations Office at Geneva

Excellencies,

Ladies and Gentlemen, 

It is an honour for me to represent the Director-General of the United Nations Office at Geneva, Ms. Tatiana Valovaya, who unfortunately could not join us today on this important occasion, but asked me to share the following message with you:

“Ambassador Al-Muftah [Permanent Representative of the State of Qatar]

Excellencies,

Ladies and Gentlemen, 

I would like to sincerely thank the Permanent Mission of the State of Qatar and its partners for organizing this important event to draw the attention of the Geneva diplomatic community to the urgent need to protect education in conflict zones. This powerful exhibition at the Palais des Nations, the center of multilateral diplomacy, aims to showcase the disastrous impact of attacks on education in various parts of the world. 

The International Day to Protect Education from Attack is a solemn reminder of the countless children, who, because of war and conflict, are denied the fundamental right to education. They are among the most vulnerable, and their futures — along with the futures of entire societies — are at grave risk. 

The UN General Assembly resolution 74/275 recognizes the importance of raising awareness on preserving education and protecting it from attack, and calls upon all stakeholders to duly act to alleviate the plight of children trapped in armed conflicts. 

In this regard, I would like to commend the State of Qatar for its numerous diplomatic initiatives and its continued commitment to keep this important issue at the forefront of the international agenda, to address the urgent need to preserve education, and to build resilient education systems, even in the most conflict-affected regions. Your work, along with that of many other dedicated partners, including here in Geneva, has been a beacon of hope for millions of children worldwide. 

Excellencies,

Ladies and Gentlemen,

While today we reflect on the challenges and the profound consequences of attacks on education, we also recognize the incredible resilience of students, teachers, and communities - from Gaza to Sudan, Myanmar, Ukraine, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, and elsewhere - who refuse to give up on the promise of learning, even in the face of conflict. It is our responsibility, as an international community, to ensure that this resilience is met with meaningful action, sustained advocacy, and unwavering support. Education is a bridge to peace. Protecting it must be at the core of our collective efforts to build a more just, peaceful, and sustainable world. 

Today’s exhibition is very timely, just a couple of weeks after we marked the 75th anniversary of the Geneva Conventions. And it tackles a highly important UN priority: the need to respect international humanitarian law. May this Day serve as a powerful reminder that even wars have limits and that schools should always remain havens of safety for every child, no matter where they live. 

Thank you.”

This was the message of the Director-General. Thank you for your attention.