UAE Ministers Champion Girls’ Education Rights at United Nations Forum
Sarah Al Amiri, Minister of Education, delivered remarks at a high-level event in Geneva celebrating twelve years of global commitment to ensuring every girl has access to quality education.
Sarah Al Amiri, Minister of Education, participated in a significant high-level event convened by the Permanent Missions of the United Arab Emirates and the United Kingdom at the 63rd session of the Human Rights Council in Geneva. The gathering marked the twelfth anniversary of the landmark Human Rights Council resolution affirming girls’ fundamental right to education.
Co-sponsored by the Permanent Missions of the Dominican Republic and The Gambia, the event centred on the theme “Renewing Global Commitment to Leave No Girl Behind”. Ms Al Amiri delivered opening remarks alongside Awa Dabo, Deputy United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, and Kumar Iyer, United Kingdom’s Ambassador and Permanent Representative in Geneva.
In her address, Ms Al Amiri articulated a compelling vision for girls’ education worldwide. She emphasised that every girl should have access to and complete at least twelve years of safe, inclusive, equitable and quality education. She underscored that education’s purpose extends far beyond academic qualification, stating it must equip girls with knowledge, skills and agency to determine their own futures.
Ms Al Amiri also highlighted the UAE’s commitment to advancing human rights on the international stage. She noted that as the nation seeks membership of the Human Rights Council for the 2028–2030 term, it does so with renewed dedication to this vital work. Drawing on the UAE’s previous three terms on the Council, she characterised the candidacy as an opportunity to deepen engagement with international partners in protecting and advancing human rights.
The forum brought together representatives from UNICEF, UN Women and UNESCO’s International Bureau of Education, who offered perspectives on education provision during emergencies, gender equality and inclusive learning frameworks. David Puyana, Ambassador and Permanent Observer of the University for Peace, moderated discussions that featured contributions from a young speaker from Malawi and Emirati inventor Mariam Al Ghafri.
Participants reflected on progress since the resolution’s adoption in 2014, whilst acknowledging persistent challenges affecting girls’ access to education, including conflict, humanitarian crises, gender inequality and the digital divide. The conversation underscored the necessity of translating international commitments into concrete action, ensuring that education systems equip girls with the capabilities and opportunities to shape their futures and contribute meaningfully to their communities.
Source: WAM