The President of Sierra Leone, His Excellency Rit. Brigadier Julius Maada Bio, delivered an inspirational address during the 4th International Day to Protect Education from Attack. In his speech, he began by expressing his pleasure at participating in the event and stressed the vital importance of safeguarding education from acts of aggression. He highlighted the significance of pursuing Sustainable Development Goal 4, which aims to achieve "Inclusive and Equitable Quality Education and Promote Lifelong Learning Opportunities for All."
The President also extended his appreciation to the State of Qatar and the event's other organizers for hosting this remarkable gathering of leaders. He said, "I would like to extend my heartfelt appreciation to the State of Qatar, the Education Above All Foundation, UNESCO, and UNICEF for arranging this forum and for extending to me the significant invitation to present a national leader's perspective. This perspective illuminated the critical measures we have taken both in Sierra Leone and on the global stage to protect education from harm and to comprehensively enhance education."
Furthermore, he stressed the inherent right to education and shared his personal experience of pursuing education during his early years, even in a household where his mother lacked literacy. He emphasized, "The right to education is invaluable and must be safeguarded at all costs. Advocating for the right to education for every child in Sierra Leone and across the globe is not a fleeting political promise or something that will fade away with time. My dear late mother, Yei Amie, bestowed upon me the gift of education. Despite becoming a widow at a young age and lacking literacy, she somehow managed to provide me with an education, making tremendous sacrifices along the way."
The President also praised the State of Qatar for adopting the General Assembly Resolution and urged fellow leaders to take similar steps to raise awareness about the challenges faced by children affected by various forms of attacks on education. He stated, "I commend the State of Qatar for its leadership in unanimously adopting the General Assembly resolution on May 28, 2020, proclaiming September 9 as the International Day to Protect Education from Attack. This resolution not only raises awareness about the plight of millions of children impacted by attacks on education but also provides clear directives for leaders and governments on their primary responsibility to ensure protection and deliver inclusive and equitable quality education."
In conclusion, the President urged all United Nations Member States that have not yet done so to endorse the Safe Schools Declaration and uphold its provisions. He emphasized the need for parties involved in conflict situations to commit to respecting the principles outlined in the Safe Schools Declaration. The President quoted an African proverb, saying, "If you want to go fast, go alone. If you want to go far, go together." He emphasized the universality, inclusivity, and equity of our collective actions in safeguarding education for all.