International Day of Peace Statement by Education Cannot Wait Executive Director Yasmine Sherif
The United Nations’ International Day of Peace is observed every year on 21st September to promote and strengthen the ideals of peace among all nations and peoples. On this day, we come together to celebrate and reaffirm our commitment to building a more peaceful world. This year’s theme, “Shaping Peace Together”, is a call for unity and solidarity in the face of the unprecedented challenges that we are currently facing.
As we reflect on the significance of this day, it is crucial to acknowledge the role of education in promoting peace and preventing conflict. Education is a fundamental human right and a powerful tool for social and economic development. It empowers individuals and communities, fosters understanding and respect for diversity, and contributes to building a culture of peace.
However, in times of crisis, education is often the first casualty. Conflict, natural disasters, and forced displacement disrupt the education of millions of children and young people, leaving them vulnerable and without access to quality learning opportunities. This not only affects their ability to learn but also hinders their chances of building a better future for themselves and their communities.
That is why, on this International Day of Peace, Education Cannot Wait (ECW), a global fund for education in emergencies and protracted crises, reaffirms its commitment to providing learning opportunities for the most vulnerable and marginalized children and youth.
In her statement, ECW’s Executive Director Yasmine Sherif emphasized the critical role of education in achieving sustainable peace. “Education is an essential pillar of peacebuilding. It creates hope, empowers children and young people, and provides them with the skills and knowledge to become active and engaged citizens,” said Sherif.
ECW has been at the forefront of delivering education in emergency settings since its establishment in 2016. Through partnerships and collaborations with governments, UN agencies, civil society, and the private sector, ECW has reached over 4 million children and youth in some of the world’s toughest crisis-affected countries.
The COVID-19 pandemic has further highlighted the need for continued investment in education in emergencies. With the closure of schools and disruptions to learning, millions of children and youth are at risk of being left behind. In her statement, Sherif called for global solidarity and collective action to ensure that no child is left behind.
“We must act now to protect and promote education for all children and youth living in crisis-affected countries. Despite the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, we must continue to invest in education, especially for the most marginalized and vulnerable groups,” said Sherif.
ECW’s education in emergency response to the COVID-19 pandemic has reached 28 countries, providing remote learning, psycho-social support, and access to essential learning materials. With the support of partners, ECW aims to reach a total of 9 million children and youth by the end of 2021.
On this International Day of Peace, let us come together and reaffirm our commitment to shaping peace together through education. As the world continues to grapple with the unprecedented challenges of our time, let us remember the transformative power of education in building a more peaceful and prosperous future for all.
Let us also take a moment to recognize and thank all the dedicated education workers, who often work in dangerous and challenging environments, to ensure that children and youth have access to education. Their courage and commitment are an inspiration to us all.
In conclusion, as we celebrate the International Day of Peace, let us remember that education is not a privilege, but a basic human right for all. Let us join hands and work towards building a world where every child has the opportunity to learn, thrive and contribute to a more peaceful and sustainable future. Together, we can shape peace and build a better world for generations to come.
