UNESCO Executive Board Praises Qatar's Leadership in Safeguarding Education Amid Global Conflict

Nasser bin Hamad Al Hinzab, Chairperson of UNESCO’s Executive Board and Qatar’s Permanent Representative to UNESCO, has commended Qatar for its pivotal efforts in driving international attention toward the protection of education in conflict zones. Speaking in Paris on September 9, marking the International Day to Protect Education from Attack, Al Hinzab highlighted the nation's advocacy on the global stage.

This year’s observance focused on the theme “Can Education Survive Attacks? Human Societies’ Resilience,” and brought together UNESCO Director-General Khaled El-Enany, alongside various ministers and member-state representatives. Al Hinzab noted that this dedicated day was established after Qatar successfully pushed the UN General Assembly to adopt it, transforming it into a permanent fixture on the international agenda to rally global action.

Recalling past milestones, Al Hinzab pointed to the 2022 commemoration held alongside UNESCO, Qatar, and the Education Above All Foundation, which included the participation of Sheikha Moza bint Nasser. He emphasized that safeguarding education requires transitioning from mere commitments to practical measures, ensuring that learners and teachers remain safe and that classrooms continue to operate during crises.

Highlighting recent institutional progress, Al Hinzab explained that UNESCO’s Executive Board called for a preventive action plan in 2024, a request that was subsequently renewed and ultimately cleared by the Board this past April. This framework is designed to support countries across prevention, preparedness, response, and recovery stages before, during, and after a crisis.

Concluding his remarks, Al Hinzab credited the Director-General and the UNESCO secretariat for advancing the plan, stressing that effective protection must begin prior to an attack through risk identification, system support, and sustained political will and partnerships.