Qatar and the United Nations are strengthening collaboration on global education initiatives, particularly those focused on vulnerable populations and conflict zones. This commitment was reaffirmed during a meeting between Dr. Nasser bin Hamad Al Hanzab, Qatar’s Permanent Representative to UNESCO and Chairperson of its Executive Board, and UN Deputy Secretary-General Amina Mohamed in Paris on January 24th. Discussions centered on bolstering international cooperation to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), with a specific emphasis on equitable access to quality learning.
The meeting took place on the sidelines of the annual International Day of Education, a UNESCO observance promoting the importance of education for peace and development. Mohamed acknowledged Qatar’s consistent support for UN organizations and its significant financial and programmatic contributions towards achieving the SDGs, especially within the education sector. Al Hanzab highlighted the critical need to protect the right to education in all circumstances.
Qatar’s Role in Advancing Global Education
Qatar has long been a proponent of increased investment in education, both domestically and internationally. The country’s commitment extends beyond financial aid to include partnerships with various UN agencies and NGOs to implement programs addressing educational disparities. This includes initiatives focused on girls’ education, teacher training, and the development of inclusive learning environments.
According to UNESCO data, millions of children and youth worldwide remain out of school, particularly in regions affected by conflict and displacement. The COVID-19 pandemic further exacerbated these challenges, leading to significant learning losses and increased dropout rates. Qatar recognizes these setbacks and is working with the UN to mitigate their impact and build more resilient education systems.
Protecting Education in Conflict Zones
A key focus of the discussions between Al Hanzab and Mohamed was the upcoming Action Plan to protect education from attacks. This plan aims to address the deliberate targeting of schools, universities, and students in conflict settings, a phenomenon that severely disrupts learning and undermines long-term development. Both parties expressed strong support for its adoption.
The deliberate targeting of educational infrastructure is a violation of international humanitarian law. However, it continues to occur in numerous countries, hindering progress towards SDG 4 – ensuring inclusive and equitable quality education and promoting lifelong learning opportunities for all. The Action Plan seeks to strengthen accountability mechanisms and provide greater protection for students, teachers, and educational facilities.
Al Hanzab emphasized the importance of safeguarding the right to education, particularly for those living in conflict-affected areas. He underscored the need to ensure the continuity of learning, even under the most challenging circumstances, through alternative learning pathways and increased support for displaced students. This aligns with Qatar’s broader humanitarian efforts to assist vulnerable populations worldwide.
The UN’s Sustainable Development Goals provide a comprehensive framework for addressing global challenges, including access to quality education. Achieving these goals requires a concerted effort from all stakeholders, including governments, international organizations, civil society, and the private sector. Qatar’s ongoing collaboration with the UN demonstrates its commitment to this collective endeavor.
Furthermore, the meeting touched upon the importance of leveraging technology to enhance educational opportunities, particularly in remote and underserved areas. Digital learning platforms and online resources can play a crucial role in bridging the education gap and providing access to quality content for all learners. This is an area where Qatar has made significant investments, and it is eager to share its expertise with other countries.
The next step is the formal adoption of the Action Plan by the UNESCO Executive Board at its upcoming session. While the timeline for adoption is expected to be relatively swift, the plan’s effective implementation will require sustained political will and adequate resources. Observers will be watching closely to see how the plan translates into concrete actions on the ground and whether it can effectively deter attacks on education in conflict zones. The success of these initiatives will also depend on continued international funding and cooperation in the field of education development.
The ongoing discussions also highlight the broader need for increased investment in sustainable development and humanitarian assistance, particularly in light of the numerous global crises impacting access to education.
Qatar’s commitment to UNESCO’s mission and the SDGs remains steadfast, and its collaboration with the UN is expected to continue strengthening in the years to come.
