UNESCO Executive Board Chief Praises Qatar’s Efforts to Protect Education from Attack

UNESCO Executive Board Chairperson Dr. Nasser bin Hamad Al Hinzab has praised Qatar’s efforts to make the protection of education during conflicts and crises a major international priority, highlighting the contribution of the Education Above All Foundation.

Speaking at UNESCO headquarters in Paris on September 9, 2026, during the International Day to Protect Education from Attack, Dr. Al Hinzab said Qatar has played an important role in keeping the safety of students, teachers and educational institutions high on the global agenda. 

This year’s observance was held under the theme “Can Education Survive Attacks? Human Societies’ Resilience,” in the presence of UNESCO Director-General Dr. Khaled El-Enany, ministers and representatives of member states. 

Qatar Initiative Led to International Day

Dr. Al Hinzab highlighted that the United Nations General Assembly’s decision to designate September 9 as the International Day to Protect Education from Attack originated from an initiative by Qatar.

Since its establishment, the annual observance has developed into an international platform for raising awareness about attacks on education and encouraging governments and organisations to take stronger action. 

He said the initiative has helped ensure that protecting schools, learners and educators remains part of international discussions on humanitarian crises and armed conflict.

Education Above All’s Role Highlighted

The UNESCO Executive Board Chairperson also praised the work of the Qatar-based Education Above All Foundation, which has been closely involved in international efforts to protect access to education in conflict-affected areas.

He recalled that UNESCO headquarters hosted a high-level event on the issue in 2022, organised in partnership with Qatar and Education Above All and attended by HH Sheikha Moza bint Nasser.

Dr. Al Hinzab described Her Highness as one of the prominent international voices advocating stronger measures to protect education. 

Education Above All is also marking the 2026 International Day through its #UniteToProtect campaign and “The Crosswalk” visual initiative in Paris and Geneva. 

From Commitments to Practical Protection

Dr. Al Hinzab stressed that declarations and international commitments alone are not enough.

He said the focus must increasingly shift toward practical measures that protect students and teachers while allowing education to continue during emergencies and conflicts. 

Such an approach requires action before an attack occurs, including identifying risks, strengthening preparedness and ensuring education systems have plans for maintaining learning during difficult circumstances.

UNESCO Approves Preventative Action Plan

One of the most significant developments has been UNESCO’s adoption of a Preventative Plan of Action to Protect Education from Attack.

The process began after UNESCO’s Executive Board called in 2024 for a stronger international framework for prevention and protection.

In April 2026, the Executive Board approved the plan, establishing a framework covering action before, during and after crises through prevention, preparedness, response and recovery. 

UNESCO says the plan is designed to integrate protection of education into national education policies, planning and crisis-management systems. 

Attacks on Schools Continue to Rise

The need for stronger protection has become increasingly urgent.

UNESCO says the United Nations verified 1,680 attacks on schools in 2025, representing a 33% increase from 1,265 attacks recorded in 2024. 

Beyond damage to school buildings, such attacks can interrupt education for entire communities, endanger teachers and students and deny children access to safe learning environments.

The impact can continue long after the immediate conflict ends, particularly when schools are destroyed or communities are displaced.

Implementation Is Now the Priority

Dr. Al Hinzab said adoption of UNESCO’s action plan should be viewed as the beginning of the next phase rather than the completion of the work.

Successful implementation will require sustained political commitment, international partnerships and adequate resources, he said. 

He highlighted the importance of a multi-partner special account for voluntary contributions to education in emergencies, describing it as an important mechanism for putting the plan into practice.

Call for Transparency and Regular Reporting

The UNESCO Executive Board Chairperson also called for close and transparent engagement with member states over the financing mechanism.

He proposed regular reporting on:

•    Implementation of protection programmes 
•    Use of financial resources 
•    Emerging priorities 
•    Resource mobilisation 
•    Progress achieved by UNESCO and participating states 

Dr. Al Hinzab also called for an annual meeting to review progress and priorities, saying greater transparency could strengthen member states’ confidence and encourage collective ownership of the initiative. 

UNESCO Executive Board Reaffirms Support

On behalf of the Executive Board, Dr. Al Hinzab reaffirmed support for implementing the preventative action plan and ensuring that protection of education remains integrated into UNESCO’s response to crises and conflicts.

He stressed that international efforts should ultimately be judged by whether students and teachers are safe and able to continue learning and teaching during emergencies. 

Qatar’s Growing Role at UNESCO

Dr. Al Hinzab, Qatar’s Permanent Representative to UNESCO, was unanimously elected Chairperson of UNESCO’s Executive Board in November 2025. UNESCO officially lists him as the board’s current chairperson. 

His election also reflected Qatar’s expanding involvement in UNESCO initiatives spanning education, culture, science, heritage preservation and international cooperation.

The Bottom Line

Qatar’s efforts to protect education during conflict have received renewed recognition from UNESCO as the international community marks the 2026 International Day to Protect Education from Attack.

The focus is now moving beyond awareness toward prevention, preparedness and concrete measures capable of keeping schools functioning during crises.

With attacks on educational institutions continuing to rise worldwide, UNESCO and Qatar are stressing that protecting education must begin before violence occurs — not only after schools have been damaged.