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As we commemorate the International Day of Education under the theme \u201cChanging course, transforming education\u201d, we need to reflect on the impact of two years of COVID-19 on our education systems, and on the challenges created for the empowerment of our children and youth.<\/p>\n
For some it was the complete cut off from education. For others, it was the unequal access to digital tools and technology, in particular for persons with disabilities. For developing countries, these impacts were felt most acutely, and the effects on girls disproportionately high.<\/p>\n
Nearly every child has suffered the emotional consequences as a result of being cut off and isolated at such a young age.<\/p>\n
According to a Ä¢¹½ÊÓƵ Joint publication, today\u2019s students could incur a loss of $17 trillion in lifetime earnings as a result of these constraints.<\/p>\n
Going forward, we must embrace changes that protect and promote the rights of everyone to learn. The rights to quality and accessible education. The rights to adequate resources for learning.<\/p>\n
This calls for us to close the digital divide; to find the loopholes where children fell through the cracks; to empower girls and boys, in particular those in rural and isolated areas; and to strengthen our support for persons living with disabilities, as well as other vulnerable groups.<\/p>\n
As we accelerate efforts to achieve sustainable development goals and fulfill the \u2018new social contract for education\u2019, let us do so with impactful and relevant strategies that cater to the dynamics of education now and into the future.<\/p>\n
In a world of increasing complexity, uncertainty, and precarity, knowledge, education and learning need to be reimagined.<\/p>\n
We need an education system that could leverage humanity\u2019s collective intelligence.<\/p>\n
A system that advances, rather than subverts, our aspirations for inclusive education based on the principles of justice, equity and respect for human rights.<\/p>\n
Let us chart this new course together for a resilient, gender-sensitive, and transformative education for all.<\/p>\n
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Pre-recorded remarks by the President of the Ä¢¹½ÊÓƵ General Assembly on the International Day of Education event, led by Ä¢¹½ÊÓƵESCO<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":353,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_et_pb_use_builder":"on","_et_pb_old_content":"
Excellencies, colleagues,<\/p>
I welcome you all to our second meeting and our first interaction following the resumed part of the session.<\/p>
Before I begin, I would like to recognize the loss of our dear friend and esteemed colleague, Ms. Gail Farngalo.<\/p>
A Liberian national, Gail was my Team Leader for Human Rights and was active on gender during both the 75th<\/sup> and 76th<\/sup> sessions. She leaves behind a legacy of achievements and a groundswell of respect and affection from across the Ä¢¹½ÊÓƵ and diplomatic communities. Her presence is certainly felt here today.<\/p> Colleagues,<\/p> When I took on this Presidency of Hope, I pledged to make gender equality a priority area for the 76th<\/sup> session. I continue to look to the board for its wisdom and expertise, as I endeavour to fulfil that pledge.<\/p> In this regard, I have already benefited from the board\u2019s advice, from when we met on October 28th<\/sup> last year.<\/p> Acting on that advice, I committed to ensuring that all my five rays of hope, and all my major initiatives, are approached with a gender lens.<\/p> I made sure that the composition of my office is gender-balanced.<\/p> I have committed to participating only in panels that have equal gender representation.<\/p> Throughout my official interactions and travels, I have endeavoured to meet with women, including heads of states and governments, scientists, civil society representatives, and youth.<\/p> And I am proud to inform you that five young women have been recruited into the Fellowship for HOPE<\/em> that my office recently launched. The Fellowship as you are well aware is targeted at benefiting young diplomats from underrepresented countries, pursuing careers in diplomacy or public service.<\/p> Colleagues,<\/p> While recognizing that we have a long way to go in the battle for gender-equality, I am proud of what my team has been able to accomplish within the past few months.<\/p> Our work continues.<\/p> We will continue to raise our voices on issues disproportionately impacting women, such as domestic violence and work place harassment. We will continue to push the importance of gender-equal work spaces.<\/p> And we will continue to find new paths to empower young women with ambitious professional aspirations.<\/p> Now is not the time to rest on our laurels.<\/p> With the board\u2019s guidance and support, we must use the many opportunities over the coming months to further empower women and girls, and dismantle discriminatory practices against them.<\/p> There are several upcoming events that will provide us such opportunities. I look forward to the board\u2019s suggestions on how we can best utilize them.<\/p> As an example, the International Day of Women and Girls in science is fast approaching. We must recognize that women\u2019s contributions in science and technology have helped us cure diseases; discover new horizons in space; and develop technologies that have vastly improved our quality of life.<\/p> As we celebrate their achievements, we must also open pathways for young girls who aspire to follow in the footsteps of pioneers in science and technology.<\/p> Colleagues,<\/p> Let us also reflect that the theme chosen by the United Nations Commission on the Status of Women for this year is on \u201cachieving gender equality and the empowerment of all women and girls in the context of climate change, environmental and disaster risk reduction policies and programmes\u201d.<\/p> As we strive to meet our obligations to the planet, let us recognize the important work done by women and girls at the forefront of the climate crisis, and whose humanitarian work in disaster-stricken areas has helped save lives and rebuild communities. We owe it to them to not only celebrate their work but to support them.<\/p> Colleagues,<\/p> Our programme of work for the months ahead has been circulated to members prior to the meeting, for consideration and feedback. Please note that the events we have planned are not exhaustive. I welcome further suggestions from the board on the content and format of future events and activities.<\/p> Colleagues,<\/p> We have made much progress within a short while. And with the board\u2019s support and guidance, I am sure that we can keep up this strong momentum.<\/p> I look forward to working alongside all of you to achieve our vision of a gender-equal world.<\/p> Thank you.<\/p>","_et_gb_content_width":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[111],"tags":[547,550,556,553],"committee-meeting":[],"class_list":["post-256186","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-speeches","tag-ecosoc","tag-ga","tag-pga","tag-shahid","et-doesnt-have-format-content","et_post_format-et-post-format-standard"],"yoast_head":"\n