Conflict, violence, the climate crisis, food insecurity, forced displacement and health crises continue to disrupt education systems around the world, and to deny millions of children the opportunity to learn and thrive. At present, 224 million school-aged children are affected by crises and in urgent need of quality education, of which 72 million are out of school completely. As the number of violent conflicts is on the rise and the climate crisis is exacerbating, pressure on education systems worldwide is likely to only increase.
However, the worst is preventable. Forward thinking, and measures such as preparedness and anticipatory action (AA), lead to more effective responses that ensure learning continuity and quality. They also contribute to the protection of children and youth in crisis situations.
Building on the successful 2024 HNPW session Strengthening Coordinated Approaches to Anticipatory Action in the Education Sector”, this session will continue the discussions and bring together actors across the humanitarian-development-peace nexus, and sectors, to explore the potential of preparedness and AA to limit learning interruptions, encourage greater political commitment, and ensure adequate funding for this area. As part of the discussion, the Geneva Global Hub for Education in Emergencies (EiE Hub)– an alliance of 52 diverse members, including States, UN agencies such as UNICEF, UNESCO, UNHCR, funds such as ECW and GPE, foundations and civil society organisations such as Save the Children and Plan International – will present the findings of its forthcoming flagship product on preparedness and AA as it relates to education in crisis settings. This will provide an overview of the latest evidence, effective practices and key recommendations.
The objectives of the session include:
- Sharing knowledge: providing policy and decision-makers across sectors and the humanitarian-development-peace nexus, climate actors and funds, donors, as well as practitioners, with the latest evidence, best practices and compelling key messages on preparedness and AA for education in emergencies.
- Encouraging dialogue: fostering discussion across the nexus and sectors on the importance of preparedness and AA to ensure learning continuity and quality, and on how to scale up joint action.
- Increasing political commitment: contributing to elevate preparedness and AA for education in emergency settings in global policy and funding discussions.
The session will take the form of panel discussion, followed by an interactive exchange with the audience. A MentiMeter poll will be used to kick off the discussion with the audience.
Expected outcomes:
- Participants are aware of the latest evidence and best practices on preparedness and AA for EiE, and acknowledge its critical value for the continuity of learning in crisis settings.
- Participants understand the need for cross-sectoral approaches and pathways for joint action.
- Participants commit to scale up political and financial support for preparedness and AA as it relates to EiE.
