Every child, everywhere, deserves the opportunity to learn, grow and dream.

Unfortunately, for 224 million children impacted by armed conflicts, climate-induced disasters and forced displacement around the world, this right is not yet a reality. On this World Children’s Day, Education Cannot Wait (ECW) – the UN global fund for education in emergencies and protracted crises – reaffirms its commitment to providing children left furthest behind in the world with access to safe, inclusive and holistic education.

"Those who have suffered and survived will be the ones rebuilding our world. They are our hope for change. They are the ones that will unite around universal human rights. They dream of peace, and the right to learn in safety and make the world a better place."

~Yasmine Sherif, ECW Executive Director (Full Statement)

Today marks 64 years since the UN General Assembly adopted the Declaration of the Rights of the Child and 34 years since the adoption of the Convention on the Rights of the Child. November 20th serves as an annual reminder to continue to advocate for humanity's youngest members, with a focus this year on providing every child with every right, including the right to quality education.

The tools and knowledge gained through education are key to unlocking additional rights throughout one’s lives. From the State of Palestine to Ethiopia, Peru to Bangladesh and Ukraine – every child deserves to grow up in safety and have access to a quality education. Together with global partners, ECW continues to lay the foundation upon which crisis-impacted girls and boys can build a brighter future.

Since ECW’s establishment in 2016, its investments have reached nearly 9 million children in 43 crisis-contexts. Hear from the girls and boys caught in emergencies and protracted crises around the world on the importance and power of education.