Doha: Qatar has established itself as a strong and pivotal partner of UNICEF, particularly illuminating its collaborative efforts focused on education and children’s rights, according to UNICEF Executive Director Catherine Russell.
During remarks made to the Qatar News Agency (QNA), Russell expressed gratitude toward HH Sheikha Moza bint Nasser, Chairperson of Education Above All (EAA) Foundation, for her notable leadership on the international stage promoting educational rights. Russell emphasized the significance of education, especially for children mired in conflicts or crises. She acknowledged the impressive role played by Qatar and highlighted how the initiatives of the Qatar Fund for Development (QFFD) and the EAA Foundation have aided countless children, enabling many to remain enrolled in school even amid significant challenges.
Russell elaborated on the strategic partnership between UNICEF, the Qatari government, and associated institutions. Intensive conversations were held to explore avenues to bolster cooperation and leverage Qatari resources and expertise effectively. She noted, “This partnership requires significant resources as well as intellectual leadership, enhancing our organization's ability to make a broader impact worldwide.”
Highlighting the necessity of education as articulated within the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), she pointed out: “Education is a basic right for all children and has dire consequences on achieving other development goals.” Stressing education’s role as the fourth objective of the SDGs, she added, “It contributes to enhancing public health and elevates economic participation.”
Russell did not shy away from discussing the multifaceted challenges hindering educational access, including systemic poverty and rising debts, which restrict governmental allocations to education. Coupled with the adverse effects stemming from the COVID-19 pandemic, these factors have led to the education of more than 250 million children worldwide being compromised. She emphasized, “Our collective effort must focus on returning these children to schools and providing them with quality education.”
Praising Qatar's proactive stance, Russell pointedly urged other nations to draw inspiration from the Gulf state’s approach to educational aid. Particularly, Qatar's humanitarian outreach to severely affected regions like Yemen and Syria has been commendable. She echoed this sentiment stating, “The relationship between Qatar and UNICEF is strong and continually developing.”
Looking forward, Russell expressed optimism concerning opportunities to expand cooperative efforts surrounding digital and innovative educational solutions. “Technology plays a pivotal role,” she stated, particularly for reaching displaced and remote children. Despite the challenges posed by maintaining child protection within the digital space, she recognized the vast potential digital tools can bring to the educational process.
Commenting on the situation faced by children living amid conflict, Russell underscored UNICEF's longstanding commitment to providing aid to Gaza, affirming the organization’s continuous efforts to support children through even the toughest conditions. “Children are often the most affected by conflicts, and achieving peace is pivotal to securing their basic rights,” she remarked.
Concluding her address, Russell reiterated the imperative nature of maintaining collaborative initiatives with Qatar to contribute to global efforts aimed at improving children's conditions worldwide. She stressed, “We are determined to place children at the heart of all our endeavors, ensuring they access fundamental rights encompassing education and health care—key pillars for societal stability and prosperity.”