In conflict zones like Syria and Gaza, education is no longer just a system, it becomes a lifeline. Humanitarians describe classrooms set up in shelters, burned buildings turned into learning spaces, and children who regain hope simply by being able to study again. These cases show that education in emergencies is not only about academic learning, but about restoring dignity, stability, and a sense of future. The key insight is clear: when everything collapses, education is o

This week, I reflected on how conflict reshapes not only physical spaces but the meaning of education itself. In Sudan, millions of children are not just out of school, they are growing up without any stable sense of safety, structure, or future. What stood out to me most was that the absence of education is never an isolated issue. It is deeply connected to displacement, poverty, insecurity, and the breakdown of entire communities. When schools disappear, so do systems of pr

Sudan’s escalating conflict has reached even the most vulnerable spaces, kindergartens. A recent drone strike on Al-Hanan Kindergarten in South Kordofan killed 96 people, including 43 children, while additional strikes targeted a hospital and a humanitarian food convoy. These attacks violate international humanitarian law and reflect a broader pattern of violence against civilians and education facilities. According to the UN, over 2,000 grave violations against children, inc

This week’s exploration focused on a central question: what does it really mean for schools to function as safe spaces in conflict zones? Across several global discussions and reports, a clear pattern emerges, when conflict intensifies, education systems are often among the first institutions to collapse, yet they remain one of the most important foundations for recovery. Recent reports from Sudan highlight how universities in Darfur and Kordofan have become direct targ

The right to education has been firmly established in international law since Article 26 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (1948). It has since been reinforced through a range of binding treaties, including the UNESCO Convention against Discrimination in Education (1960), the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights (ICESCR), the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women (CEDAW), the Convention on the Rights of

At a UNESCO side event during the UN Human Rights Council in Geneva, global education and human rights organizations discussed how to protect early childhood care and education (ECCE) during crises. The Right to Education Initiative (RTE) emphasized that early education must be treated as a fundamental human right, even in conflict and emergency contexts. RTE introduced new monitoring tools and indicators designed to track whether governments are prepared for education disrup

Sudan’s Ministry of Higher Education condemned drone strikes on Kordofan University and attacks on several universities across the Darfur region, blaming the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF). The strike destroyed major campus buildings and is part of a broader pattern of assaults on academic institutions since the war between the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and RSF began in April 2023. Human rights groups warn that universities in Al-Fasher, Nyala, Zalingei, and

The 5th International Conference on the Safe Schools Declaration (SSD), held in Nairobi in November 2025, marked the 10th anniversary of a global commitment to protect education during armed conflict. The declaration, now endorsed by 122 countries, aims to prevent attacks on schools, students, and teachers while strengthening accountability for violations. The conference gathered over 400 participants from 57 governments, along with UN agencies, civil society, and youth advoc

This week, I explored the theme of “Education Funding Gap and the Future of SDG4.” As the 2030 deadline approaches, the global education community faces a difficult reality: progress toward SDG4(quality education for all)is slowing while the funding gap continues to widen. Recent data shows that upper secondary completion rates increased only from 53% in 2015 to 60% in 2024, and 754 million adults remain illiterate worldwide, with women accounting for nearly two-thirds. These

SDG4 aims to ensure inclusive, equitable quality education and promote lifelong learning for all, recognizing education as a key driver of sustainable development. While some progress has been made, major challenges remain. Global upper secondary completion rates rose from 53% in 2015 to 60% in 2024, but learning outcomes in many countries are declining. Inequality is also widening: 754 million adults remain illiterate, and 63% of them are women. Infrastructure gaps persist a

At the 2025 HESI Global Forum, education leaders emphasized that universities will play a crucial role in accelerating progress toward the 2030 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). As the world approaches the SDG deadline, higher education is increasingly seen not only as a place for learning but also as a platform for evidence-based solutions to global challenges such as inequality, gender justice, and sustainable development. However, the forum also highlighted major

With only six years remaining until the 2030 deadline, global education leaders gathered at UNESCO to assess progress toward SDG4: Quality Education for All. Despite international commitments, the education gap remains alarming. Today, 128 million boys and 122 million girls are still out of school worldwide, while 57% of children lack basic learning skills. According to a new report by UNESCO, OECD, and the Commonwealth Secretariat, the global cost of this learning crisis cou

Kenya has made notable policy efforts to expand inclusive education, particularly for learners with disabilities and marginalized communities. The 2018 Sector Policy for Learners and Trainees with Disabilities defines inclusive education as ensuring that students with disabilities learn within regular schools while receiving reasonable accommodations and support. Today, 1,882 primary and secondary schools in Kenya provide education services for learners with special needs,

This week’s Megaphone Field Notes highlight a consistent pattern across different regions: despite global commitments, girls’ education still faces systemic barriers shaped by poverty, climate crises, harmful social norms, and fragile education systems. Data from the Global Partnership for Education (GPE) shows both the urgency and the potential impact of investment. The Girls’ Education Accelerator has already mobilized $225 million, helping 3.6 million marginalized gi

In Narok County, Kenya, girls like Naserian grow up facing serious barriers to education, including early marriage, teenage pregnancy, and female genital mutilation (FGM). A new initiative called Naserian: Girls Rising is working to change this reality by supporting girls not only in school, but also within their families and communities. Through life-skills education, mentorship groups, and parent engagement, the program helps girls build confidence and stay connected to edu

From a data perspective, the Global Partnership for Education (GPE) Girls’ Education Accelerator highlights how targeted investment in girls’ education can transform entire education systems. The initiative aims to raise US$200 million to support 3.2 million girls in countries where barriers to education are the most severe,particularly in regions affected by conflict, fragility, and harmful gender norms. This funding would address structural inequalities that continue to

Peggy Baela, an 18-year-old student from Zambia, began advocating for girl-child education through the Rise for the World leadership program , which encourages young people to address challenges in their communities. Her project focused on Pendeni Community School, where overcrowded classrooms, limited learning materials, and teacher shortages made it difficult for students,especially girls,to continue their education. To support the school, Peggy worked on weekends at Nsobe

The Global Partnership for Education (GPE) has placed gender equality at the center of education reform through its GPE 2025 strategy, integrating gender considerations into planning, financing, and policy dialogue. As a result, all GPE implementation grants now include at least one activity promoting gender equality, and the share of funding supporting gender-focused initiatives increased from 34% to 68%. Programs such as the Girls’ Education Accelerator and Ethiopia’s expan

This week’s Field Notes point to a growing tension: digital technologies and AI are expanding rapidly, while the systems meant to govern them are struggling to keep pace. Across recent reports and policy discussions, a consistent pattern emerges. Technology is opening new pathways for education, innovation, and social participation,but without strong safeguards, it is also introducing new forms of risk, particularly for children and other vulnerable groups. Efforts to regulat

Uganda has begun a national consultation process with UNESCO to assess how the country can responsibly adopt artificial intelligence while protecting human rights. Through the UNESCO AI Readiness Assessment Methodology (RAM), government institutions, researchers, civil society groups, and youth innovators are working together to evaluate Uganda’s technological capacity, data systems, and governance structures before expanding AI use. The goal is to ensure that AI development