Qatar Calls For Equal Education Rights At Geneva Roundtable

Post by : Mumtaaz Qadiri

The State of Qatar took part in an important roundtable discussion titled “Equity in Education.” The session was held at the University of Geneva in cooperation between QatarDebate and the University of Geneva. Representing Qatar was Her Excellency Dr. Hind Abdulrahman Al Muftah, the Permanent Representative of Qatar to the United Nations Office in Geneva.

Education As A Human Right

In her speech, Dr. Hind stressed that education is not a luxury or privilege. Instead, it is a basic human right that must be guaranteed for everyone. She explained that education allows people to learn important skills, express their views, and enjoy all other rights. Without education, it becomes very hard for people to protect or claim their other human rights.

Link To International Commitments

She reminded the audience that the right to education is clearly written into international human rights treaties. It is also a central part of the United Nations’ 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, which guides global efforts toward peace, equality, and prosperity.

Benefits Of Education For Society

Her Excellency explained that education does not only benefit individual learners. It also benefits entire societies. It provides people with knowledge, values, and skills that help economic and social growth. In her words, education strengthens people and communities, making them more capable of solving problems and building a better future.

Education And Global Recovery

Dr. Hind also noted that education is a key element for global recovery after crises. Whether the challenge is rebuilding societies after conflict, achieving the Sustainable Development Goals, or preparing for the digital and green transitions, education must remain central. She said that education inspires hope and offers protection for children and youth affected by wars, displacement, or humanitarian emergencies.

Urgency Of Equity In Education

The Qatari envoy pointed out that achieving equality in education is more urgent now than ever before. But equity is not only about giving equal access to schools. It also means ensuring that outcomes are fair, opportunities are adapted to people’s different needs, and no one is left behind. She explained that this is the heart of Goal 4 of the Sustainable Development Goals.

Qatar’s Commitment To Education

Dr. Hind emphasized that the State of Qatar has always been a strong defender of the right to education. At both the national and international levels, Qatar treats equitable and quality education as a top priority.

National Achievements In Education

At the national level, Qatar has invested heavily in its education system, which now ranks highly in regional and global indicators. The country has promoted equal access for boys and girls, with Qatari women now playing a leading role in higher education, the workforce, and particularly in sectors like health, education, and social services.

Qatar’s International Role In Education

Internationally, Qatar has also been at the forefront of advancing education initiatives within the United Nations system. For example, in 2010, Qatar and other countries presented Resolution 64/290, which confirmed the right to education in emergency situations. This was unanimously adopted by the UN General Assembly.

Protecting Education From Attack

Dr. Hind also recalled that in 2020, the UN General Assembly adopted Resolution 74/275, again with Qatar’s support. This resolution made September 9 the International Day to Protect Education from Attack. More recently, in March 2024, Qatar introduced a resolution at UNESCO’s Executive Board to safeguard education in conflict zones. It was adopted unanimously and established a mechanism to protect schools and learning spaces in violent or unstable areas.

Safe Schools Declaration

She noted that Qatar was among the first countries to back the Safe Schools Declaration in 2015. Qatar is also a founding member of the Global Coalition to Protect Education from Attack, which works worldwide to shield schools and learners from harm.

Children As The Future

Dr. Hind reminded the audience that children are the future of every nation. Their education is the true cure for intolerance, inequality, poverty, and conflict. She made it clear that for Qatar, education must always remain the number one priority to secure peace, development, and prosperity. She summarized this vision in one powerful statement: “Education above all.”

Topics Of The Roundtable

The event brought together experts, youth, and civil society representatives. They held interactive discussions on different aspects of achieving fairness in education. Topics included the effects of conflict and poverty on education, the mental health needs of students in crisis, and the barriers faced by displaced children.

Role Of The International Community

The panel also addressed how the international community can better ensure the right to education for all. Speakers highlighted the need for global cooperation, investment, and strong policies to protect schools and provide equal opportunities everywhere.

Technology And Media In Education

Another theme discussed was the role of technology and media in promoting educational justice. Participants saw great opportunities in digital tools and media platforms to expand access to education. However, they also warned about the risks of misuse, inequality in access, and the need to use these tools responsibly.

Youth Participation In The Dialogue

The session included strong participation from youth speakers representing Qatar’s Ministry of Sports and Youth, the QatarDebate Center, and the Education Above All Foundation. Youth from other countries and academic institutions also joined the conversation.

Importance Of Youth Voices

The session moderator, Al Reem Al Aqili from QatarDebate, stressed that the dialogue provided a safe space where young people could share their voices alongside experts. She explained that connecting youth with academic expertise created a stronger, more realistic vision for the future of education.

Shared Commitment To Justice

In her closing remarks, Al Aqili underlined that this kind of open dialogue shows a shared commitment to making educational justice real. By listening to both experts and youth, the world can move toward a more fair and inclusive education system that ensures no learner is left behind.

The roundtable came at an important moment, coinciding with the International Day to Protect Education from Attack. It reinforced the global responsibility to defend education in every circumstance, especially during conflict or crisis. The session ended with a clear message: education is the foundation of peace, equality, and sustainable development, and must remain a priority for all nations.

Qatar education rights, Global educational justice, Protecting learning spaces