Welcome Remarks by H.E. Ambassador ISHIKANE Kimihiro, Permanent Representative of Japan to the United Nations, at the HLPF side-event “Ensuring Education Continuity: The Roles of Education in Emergencies, Protracted Crises and Building Peace”

On behalf of the co-organizers, I would like to welcome all of you, including those who are connecting online from all over the world, to this side-event on education continuity.
 
I would also like to extend our warm welcome and appreciation to our distinguished guests and panel speakers, who will share their rich experiences and expertise on this critical theme.
 
According to the latest study by Education Cannot Wait, there are estimated to be 224 Million crisis-affected children and youth who need education support. They are missing out educational opportunities due to global threats to human security such as armed conflict, violence, forced displacement, climate-induced disaster, and epidemic disease. Sitting at the Security Council, I have seen the devastating impacts of crisis on children and youth all over the world, including in such countries as Afghanistan, Ukraine, Yemen and Syria. I have witnessed that existing vulnerabilities and inequalities are exacerbated due to these threats.
 
Although education itself cannot stop an ongoing crisis, I strongly believe in the role and power of education. Education is a life-saving and life-sustaining intervention in an emergency. In addition, over the long run, quality education serves as a foundation for lasting peace and preventing future conflicts. It can counter the underlying causes of violence and foster inclusion, tolerance, and conflict resolution.
 
Japan prioritizes education cooperation as an essential sector for achieving human security. Prime Minister Kishida has assumed a champion role to strengthen ongoing efforts in the education sector. It is critically important during this HLPF that we emphasize that education is a fundamental human right, a foundation for lasting peace, an enabler for all the SDGs, and a path to a better future for all, particularly those who are in a difficult situation.
 
This side-event aims to share good practices generated by different countries and organizations in ensuring education continuity at both the policy-making and implementation levels. It also aims to showcase the evidence-based roles and benefits of ensuring education opportunities in crisis-affected countries, so that all individuals are provided with opportunities to fully develop their human potential and are equipped with the skills to contribute to development, peace, and security in their countries.
 
I am looking forward to hearing your views and insights on ensuring education continuity, and I hope we will further strengthen our partnerships and collaborations in the area through our rich discussions.

Let us act now collectively to make a difference for the 224 Million children and youth and for their future at this critical midpoint year in the 2030 Agenda.
 
Thank you.