Hear from Afghan Refugee Students on the 4th Observance of the International Day to Protect Education From Attack

September 13, 2023 September 13, 2023 Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) Chamber at the United Nations

Leaders from Qatar, the United Nations, UNICEF, UNESCO to host a commemorative event focused on the right to education and its impact on long term peace and stability.

The State of Qatar and Education Above All Foundation will host a commemorative event, alongside UNESCO, UNICEF, and the United Nations Department of Global Communications, focused on the 4th Observance of the International Day to Protect Education From Attack.

When: September 13, 2023 at 3:00-4:30 p.m. ET

Where: Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) Chamber at the United Nations

Education is under attack globally, and the situation is getting worse. In 2020 and 2021, there were more than 5,000 reported attacks on education and incidents at schools and universities, harming more than 9,000 students and educators in at least 85 countries, according to a 2022 report by the Global Coalition to Protect Education from Attack.

The following speakers will be participating in the program:

Her Highness Sheikha Moza Bint Nasser, Chairman of Education Above All Foundation
His Excellency Mr. Antonio Guterres, Secretary-General of the United Nations
Catherine Russell, Executive Director of UNICEF
His Excellency Mr. Julius Maada Wonie Bio, President of Sierra Leone
Audrey Azoulay, Director-General of UNESCO

Seven Afghan students who have navigated educational paths through crisis and conflict will be present at the event and available for interviews. They are supported by the Qatar Scholarship for Afghans Project and are currently pursuing their studies in the United States.

Press Contact:

To attend the event or interview the students, contact qsap@gga.nyc.

About QSAP
The Qatar Scholarship for Afghans Project (QSAP) is a scholarship program supporting displaced Afghan students to study in the United States. It is a collaboration between The Afghan Future Fund (AFF) Education Above All, the Yalda Hakim Foundation, the Institute of International Education (IIE), and the Qatar Fund For Development (QFFD). The program welcomed an initial cohort of 250 students, split equally among women and men. The partnership is built on a mutual belief that access to education is essential, fundamental, and lifesaving. Learn more about QSAP and the partnership here.