Pakistan has made a compelling appeal at a historic session of the United Nations Security Council, stressing the urgent need to resolve ongoing conflicts to protect the fundamental rights of children, particularly their access to education. The session, presided over by US First Lady Melania Trump, focused on the critical theme of ‘Children, Technology and Education in Conflict,’ highlighting the devastating impact of war on young lives. Pakistan’s Ambassador to the UN, Asim Iftikhar Ahmad, underscored the importance of adhering to the UN Charter, Security Council resolutions, and international law as the most effective means to safeguard children’s futures in conflict-ridden regions.
During his address, Ambassador Ahmad drew attention to the dire circumstances faced by millions of children living in areas affected by foreign occupation and prolonged violence, with particular emphasis on Palestine and Jammu and Kashmir. He painted a grim picture of children growing up surrounded by destruction and instability, where schools have been damaged, destroyed, or even turned into military zones. Teachers have been displaced, and digital infrastructure essential for modern education has been severely disrupted. These factors have pushed already fragile education systems to the brink of collapse, threatening to rob an entire generation of their right to learn and grow in a safe environment.
Highlighting the broader implications, the Pakistani envoy stressed that the interruption of education in conflict zones is not a mere byproduct of war but often a deliberate tactic that deepens trauma and perpetuates cycles of violence. He warned that prolonged disruption can have lasting generational consequences, far beyond the immediate conflict, affecting social cohesion and future peace prospects. Education, he emphasized, is more than a service; it is a vital stabilizing force that fosters resilience, critical thinking, and hope among children. Without it, young people become increasingly vulnerable to exploitation, trafficking, recruitment into armed groups, and radicalization.
Ambassador Ahmad also acknowledged the potential of technology to mitigate some of these challenges by providing remote learning opportunities for displaced or isolated children. Digital platforms and mobile learning tools can help maintain educational continuity when physical classrooms are inaccessible. Emerging technologies, including artificial intelligence, offer promising avenues for personalized and inclusive education. However, he cautioned that technology must be deployed responsibly, with robust safeguards to protect children from risks such as exploitation, misinformation, hate speech, and surveillance. Closing the digital divide in conflict-affected areas requires investment in resilient infrastructure, affordable connectivity, and access to devices, with special attention to girls and children with disabilities.
In this context, Pakistan expressed its support for the “Fostering the Future Together Initiative,” launched by the US First Lady, aimed at building a global coalition to enhance children’s well-being through education, innovation, and technology. Ambassador Ahmad called for strengthened partnerships among UN member states, civil society, and the private sector to ensure that digital education initiatives incorporate child protection by design. He described technology as both a shield and a bridge in complex conflict environments, enabling children to exercise their right to safety, learning, and development. Ultimately, he emphasized, these efforts contribute to resilience, dignity, and the pursuit of lasting peace—a shared goal that demands collective action and cooperation.
The Security Council session took place amid heightened tensions in the Middle East, with ongoing US-Israeli air strikes against Iran and increasing instability across the region. The meeting was convened by the United States, which holds the Council’s presidency for March, and marked a historic moment as it was presided over by a First Lady for the first time in UN history. Melania Trump opened the debate by affirming the United States’ solidarity with children worldwide, especially those affected by conflict.
Adding further gravity to the discussion, Rosemary DiCarlo, Under-Secretary-General for Political and Peacebuilding Affairs, highlighted the unprecedented scale of armed conflicts globally—the highest since World War II—and the devastating toll on civilians, particularly children. She noted that schools across several countries in the Middle East, including Israel, the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Bahrain, and Oman, have been forced to close and shift to remote learning due to ongoing military operations. Ms. DiCarlo also referenced reports from Iran about a tragic strike on an elementary school in Minab, which may have resulted in the deaths of dozens of children.
She stressed that nearly one in five children worldwide—approximately 473 million—are currently living in or fleeing from conflict zones. This staggering figure underscores the urgent need for the international community to prioritize the protection of children’s rights and education amidst the chaos of war. The session served as a crucial reminder that safeguarding education in conflict settings is not only a moral imperative but also a strategic investment in peace and stability for future generations.
