On the first day of what promises to be the busiest week of the year at the United Nations headquarters in New York, the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) held a high-level meeting to call for global action on education in crisis-affected areas around the world.

A number of prominent figures discussed various aspects of education in crises, including Mr. Anthony Lake, UNICEF Executive Director, Her Majesty Queen Rania Al Abdullah of Jordan, UNICEF Eminent Advocate for Children, and Mr. Gordon Brown, UN Special Envoy for Global Education.

UN Envoy on Youth Ahmad Alhendawi, who also participated, addressed the high-level meeting participants in closing remarks. Noting the increase of primary-aged children out of school in conflict-affected countries, he stressed the urgent need for stronger educational systems that include all children and youth, especially marginalized groups, including refugees, internally displaced populations, girls, ethnic minorities and children, and youth with disabilities.

UN Youth Envoy Ahmad Alhendawi and Chernor Bah

UN Youth Envoy Ahmad Alhendawi and Chernor Bah

“Children’s and youth’s right to education must be upheld and protected at all times, also in situations of conflict or when emergencies strike. Let us not fail in this endeavour,” concluded Mr. Alhendawi.