Sarah Al Amiri Calls for Global Action to Protect Girls’ Right to Education at Geneva Event

UAE Minister of Education Sarah Al Amiri has called for renewed international efforts to ensure that every girl has access to safe, inclusive and quality education, during a high-level event held on the sidelines of the 63rd session of the UN Human Rights Council in Geneva.

The event was convened by the Permanent Missions of the UAE and the United Kingdom to mark the 12th anniversary of the adoption of the Human Rights Council resolution on girls’ right to education.

Held under the theme “Renewing Global Commitment to Leave No Girl Behind,” the event was co-sponsored by the Permanent Missions of the Dominican Republic and The Gambia.

UAE Minister Calls for 12 Years of Quality Education

Al Amiri delivered opening remarks alongside Awa Dabo, Deputy United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, and Kumar Iyer, the UK’s Ambassador and Permanent Representative in Geneva.

She called for collective action to ensure girls can access and complete at least 12 years of safe, inclusive, equitable and quality education.

“Our ambition should remain clear: every girl should have access to and complete at least twelve years of safe, inclusive, equitable and quality education,” Al Amiri said.

She added that education should provide girls not only with qualifications but also with the knowledge, skills and agency to determine their future.

UAE Highlights Human Rights Council Candidacy

Al Amiri also linked the UAE’s efforts on girls’ education to the country’s bid for membership of the UN Human Rights Council for the 2028–2030 term.

She said the UAE intends to continue contributing to international efforts to advance and protect human rights if elected.

The minister noted that the UAE has previously served three terms on the Human Rights Council, describing its candidacy as an opportunity to build on that engagement and work with international partners.

Conflict and Digital Divide Among Key Challenges

Representatives from UNICEF, UN Women and UNESCO’s International Bureau of Education contributed perspectives on education in emergencies, gender equality and inclusive learning.

The discussions examined progress since the adoption of the girls’ right to education resolution in 2014 while highlighting challenges that continue to affect access to education.

These include conflict and humanitarian crises, gender inequality and the digital divide.

The event was moderated by David Puyana, Ambassador and Permanent Observer of the University for Peace, and included contributions from a young speaker from Malawi and Emirati inventor Mariam Al Ghafri.

Participants Call for Action Beyond Commitments

Representatives of member states, UN bodies and education organisations also stressed the need to translate international commitments into practical measures.

Participants highlighted the importance of education systems equipping girls with the skills and opportunities needed to shape their futures and contribute to their communities.

The event concluded with renewed attention to international cooperation on girls’ education and the need to address barriers that continue to prevent millions of girls from accessing quality learning.