HH Sheikha Moza calls on universities to play a role in protecting education in conflict at Georgetown University seminar

Her Highness Sheikha Moza bint Nasser, Chairperson of Education Above All and UN Sustainable Development Goals Advocate, spoke at a thought leadership seminar co-hosted by Georgetown University and Education Above All in Washington D.C. emphasizing the need for quality education during and after times of conflict and insecurity to ensure a stable future.

“The Right to Education” seminar, held at Georgetown University’s Riggs’ Library, explored barriers to education and how they are being addressed, as well as education as the foundation of peaceful societies and the importance of protecting education during conflict.  

Along with Her Highness, the panel featured distinguished speakers Dr. Alaa Murabit, UN SDG Advocate, and Ambassador Melanne Verveer, Executive Director of Georgetown Institute for Women, Peace, and Security in a discussion moderated by Georgetown University President John DeGoia.

Her Highness focused on the importance of protecting education in times of crisis, viewing it as essential in preparing future generations to break the cycle of conflict and rebuild their communities for lasting growth and stability.

“Unfortunately, education is the first victim when it comes to times of war,” said Her Highness. “During conflict, education provides normalcy, continuity and sustainability.”

She continued, “Education in post conflict allows young educated leaders to come back to their countries and break the cycle of violence. They can rebuild their countries and redesign new sets of values.”

She also called onto universities to take the lead in creating innovative solutions to ensure the protection of education for all regardless of fragile situations. “There is no one size fits all solutions. There are different barriers to education in times of conflict. We need to be creative and innovative in these solutions,” she added.

Prior the seminar, Her Highness met with Georgetown University President John DeGoia, where they discussed the university’s role in leading innovation in education during times of conflict.