The greatest duty is to safeguard children and their education. Educations power is witnessed worldwide — in underground schools in Ukraine, Syrian refugee camps in Jordan, and Bangladeshs Coxs Bazaar.

In such places, education ignites hope amidst despair for countless children. We must ensure this hope remains vibrant.

Protecting children from threats and climate risks is a shared duty. COVID-19 highlighted that halting education disrupts childrens lives.

In the EU, we are bolstering disaster preparedness to secure our childrens future. We have initiated a new Preparedness Strategy focusing on people.

Disaster preparedness is becoming part of classroom learning, not just as a subject, but as a vital life skill. Our aim is to foster a preparedness culture among youth, utilizing EU programs like the European Solidarity Corps and Erasmus+ for learning and leadership.

The EU is a leading donor to education in emergencies. From 2015 to 2024, we allocated nearly €1.2 billion to sustain education. EU projects have enabled over 23 million children in crises across 63 countries to continue learning.

In 2025, the EU has earmarked €185 million for education in humanitarian emergencies. We back inclusive projects ensuring at least 50% participation from girls and children with disabilities.

In crises, ensuring safe schools and education is more than just materials. It symbolizes hope, protection, and the path to a brighter future.