United Nations Security Council Arria-Formula Meeting on "Safeguarding Education in Sudan: Investing in Peace, Recovery and Stability" convened by Somalia. Cosponsors: the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Liberia.
Opening remarks by Amina J. Mohammed, Deputy Secretary-General of the United Nations. The Arria-formula meeting will provide an opportunity for Member States, United Nations entities, regional organizations, humanitarian and development partners, civil society and other relevant stakeholders to exchange perspectives on safeguarding education in Sudan. The discussion will consider practical approaches to protecting education during armed conflict, preserving the integrity of Sudan's national education system and supporting continued access to learning as part of broader efforts toward recovery and sustainable peace. ** Since the outbreak of conflict in April 2023, Sudan has faced significant humanitarian, social and economic challenges, with profound consequences for civilians, particularly children. The UNHCR reports that there are more than 3.5 million refugees and over 6.5 million internally displaced persons, many of whom have been displaced multiple times. Education has been among the sectors most significantly affected, with millions of children experiencing prolonged disruption to learning and reduced access to educational services. More than 17 million children have had their education severely disrupted, including approximately 8 million children who are currently out of learning. In Darfur alone, of the nearly 4 million school age children, more than 3 million are currently out of learning, with girls particularly affected.
