He said that this historic resolution, which reaffirms the right to education for all and the importance of ensuring safe and conducive learning environments in humanitarian emergencies, besides providing quality education at all levels, including for girls, will undoubtedly facilitate the joint efforts of UN Member States and entities and other relevant stakeholders to work together to ensure access to education in humanitarian emergencies and especially during armed conflicts.
He noted that this year's celebration comes to emphasise that education is a key tool for achieving peace, a key right and an enabler for the enjoyment of all other human rights, and a basic pillar and strategic objective of the Sustainable Development Goals whose implementation depends on the implementation of many other sustainable development goals.
He said that although the last academic year was one of the most challenging years for both teachers and students due to the coronavirus pandemic (Covid-19), this year also witnessed a continuation of violence and attacks against schools in the context of the armed conflicts that still exist, which doubled the suffering of students and made it more difficult for them to get education.
Al-Ali stressed the importance of sparing schools, universities and all educational facilities from the scourge of war and recognising and protecting their civilian nature and not targeting them, so that they always remains safe havens to promote peace, development and stability.