At a UN Security Council meeting on Children, Technology and Education in Conflict, Ambassador James Kariuki, the UK Chargé d’Affaires to the United Nations, emphasized the urgent need to protect children’s right to safe, inclusive and quality education in conflict-affected regions. He welcomed the Council’s focus on the issue and reaffirmed the United Kingdom’s support for international cooperation to address the growing education crisis in war zones.
The UK highlighted the devastating impact of conflict on education systems worldwide. In Gaza, the vast majority of schools have been damaged or destroyed, leaving hundreds of thousands of children out of school for more than two years. In Sudan, widespread destruction of school infrastructure has left millions without access to learning. In Ukraine, millions of children continue to face serious barriers to education due to Russia’s full-scale invasion. Ongoing instability in the Middle East further threatens children and civilian infrastructure, including schools. The UK stressed that all parties to conflict must comply with international humanitarian law and protect educational facilities. It reiterated its support for the Safe Schools Declaration and its backing of global education initiatives through partnerships with UNICEF and the Global Partnership for Education.
Ambassador Kariuki also underscored the potential of emerging technologies to help sustain learning for children affected by conflict and displacement. While digital platforms and AI-supported systems cannot replace in-person education, they can provide critical continuity when schools are inaccessible and offer access to psychosocial support. However, he cautioned that technology also carries risks, such as the recruitment of children by armed groups through online platforms. The UK reaffirmed its commitment to accountability for grave violations against children, including through support for the UN Monitoring and Reporting Mechanism, and called on technology companies and governments to strengthen child protection safeguards.
The statement further highlighted the disproportionate impact of conflict on girls’ education. Girls in conflict settings are more likely to be out of school and face heightened risks of exploitation, child marriage, trafficking and gender-based violence. The UK reaffirmed its commitment to supporting girls’ education in crisis contexts, including through funding for the Education Cannot Wait initiative, which has supported millions of girls worldwide. It also urged collaboration between governments, civil society and the private sector to ensure that technological solutions address the specific needs of girls affected by conflict.
