In a significant address at the United Nations Security Council, Pakistan’s Ambassador to the UN, Asim Iftikhar Ahmad, called for urgent resolution of ongoing conflicts such as those in Palestine and Kashmir. He stressed that the future of millions of children depends on ending these prolonged disputes, which continue to disrupt their access to education and basic rights. The ambassador highlighted the devastating impact of war zones on children’s schooling, emphasizing the need for collective international action to safeguard their educational opportunities.
The session, held under the presidency of US First Lady Melania Trump, marked a historic moment as it was the first time a first lady chaired a Security Council meeting. The debate focused on the theme of ‘Children, Technology and Education in Conflict,’ a topic of critical importance given the increasing number of children affected by armed conflicts worldwide. Ambassador Ahmad underscored that resolving conflicts in line with the UN Charter, Security Council resolutions, and international law remains the most effective way to protect children and uphold their right to education.
During his remarks, Ambassador Ahmad painted a grim picture of the realities faced by children living in conflict zones, particularly in Palestine and Jammu and Kashmir. He described how schools have been destroyed, converted into military outposts, or otherwise rendered unusable, while teachers have been displaced and digital infrastructure disrupted. These factors have pushed already fragile education systems to the brink of collapse, leaving countless children deprived of a safe and stable learning environment.
He further emphasized that while conflicts persist, the international community has a moral obligation to ensure that no child’s future is sacrificed due to circumstances beyond their control. The ambassador welcomed the US First Lady’s “Fostering the Future Together Initiative,” which aims to build a global coalition dedicated to improving children’s well-being through education, innovation, and technology. Pakistan expressed its commitment to joining this initiative, recognizing the critical role of education in fostering hope and resilience among children affected by conflict.
Ambassador Ahmad elaborated on the broader implications of disrupted education in war-torn areas, noting that the damage is often systematic and intentional. Interruptions in schooling not only cause immediate harm but also have long-lasting generational effects, perpetuating cycles of violence and instability. He highlighted that education is more than just a service—it acts as a stabilizing force that protects children from exploitation, trafficking, recruitment into armed groups, and radicalization. Conversely, when education is preserved, it nurtures critical thinking, resilience, and optimism for the future.
Turning to the role of technology, the Pakistani envoy pointed out that digital platforms and mobile learning tools can provide vital educational access to displaced or isolated children. Remote learning can help maintain continuity when physical schools are inaccessible, while emerging technologies like artificial intelligence offer promising opportunities for personalized and inclusive education. However, he cautioned that technology must be carefully managed, as unregulated digital environments can expose children to risks such as exploitation, misinformation, hate speech, and abuse.
To address these challenges, Ambassador Ahmad called for closing the digital divide in conflict-affected regions by investing in resilient infrastructure, ensuring affordable internet connectivity, and providing necessary devices—especially prioritizing girls and children with disabilities. He also stressed the importance of integrating child protection measures into all digital education initiatives and fostering stronger partnerships among UN member states, civil society, and the private sector. In complex conflict settings, he argued, technology can serve as both a protective shield and a bridge to learning, offering children a chance for safety, development, and dignity.
The Security Council meeting took place amid heightened tensions in the Middle East, with ongoing US-Israeli air strikes against Iran and escalating instability across the region. These developments have led to repeated calls from the UN for restraint and dialogue. Rosemary DiCarlo, Under-Secretary-General for Political and Peacebuilding Affairs, highlighted the extraordinary relevance of the debate, noting that the world is currently witnessing the highest number of armed conflicts since World War II, along with unprecedented civilian casualties.
Ms. DiCarlo pointed out that children are among the most vulnerable victims of these conflicts. Recent events have forced schools in Israel, the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Bahrain, and Oman to close and shift to remote learning due to military operations. She also referenced reports from Iran about the tragic deaths of numerous children following a strike on an elementary school in Minab. Globally, she stressed, one in every five children—approximately 473 million—live in or are fleeing from conflict zones, underscoring the urgent need for international cooperation to protect their rights and futures.
