The Geneva Global Hub for Education in Emergencies aims to help the 127 million children who do without schooling because of humanitarian crises.
Its official launch was on Monday, after Switzerland pledged to establish Geneva as such a hub at the 2019 Global Refugee Forum.
“More than 40% of the 80 million displaced people are children; the majority of these children have no access to education, resulting in a lack of prospects, increased violence against children and lost generations,” stated the Federal Department of Foreign Affairs (FDFR) in a press releaseExternal link. “Humanitarian emergencies are on the rise owing to climate change and its consequences; conflicts; and not least COVID-19.” It pointed out that education was one of the sectors getting the least recognition and funding in humanitarian disasters.
More
Why the world should take note of the Swiss apprenticeship model
Some consider the system the “gold standard” in vocational training.
“With regard to education in emergencies, International Geneva has the hitherto untapped potential of a platform that promotes cross-sectoral cooperation with a view to creating educational opportunities on the ground for young people affected by crises and displacement,” said the FDFR. The education hub will be both a virtual and physical platform linking the education sector to other relevant areas, such as healthcare and human rights.
Education is a priority of Switzerland’s International Cooperation Strategy 2021–24, which is derived from the foreign policy strategy.
“Protecting the most vulnerable population groups in crisis and displacement contexts and safeguarding the provision of quality basic services – in particular education and healthcare – is one of the four main objectives of the current international cooperation strategy,” stated the FDFR, adding that “It is in Switzerland’s interests to reduce the causes of displacement and irregular migration and to guarantee quality basic services on the ground.”
International Geneva is home to the United Nations Office at Geneva, 38 international groups, the permanent representations of 177 UN member states, 750 NGOs, and several leading academic institutions.
Switzerland abstains from vote on Palestinian bid for full UN membership
This content was published on
On Friday, Switzerland abstained from the vote at the General Assembly on granting the Palestinians new rights at the United Nations (UN).
Protein in abdominal fat could help shape obesity treatment
This content was published on
The study analysed fat cells from different locations in the body, and found that those in the abdomen have unique properties.
North African asylum claims fall after rapid Swiss processing
This content was published on
The accelerated procedure, now out of its test phase, has resulted in a significant drop in applications from North African countries.
This content was published on
The artist's song "The Code" focuses on their journey as a nonbinary individual. It is one of the favourites to win this year's contest.
Swiss climate activists block vehicles near Gotthard tunnel
This content was published on
Around ten climate activists briefly blocked the A2 motorway near the northern entrance of the Gotthard tunnel on Thursday.
Watches belonging to Michael Schumacher up for auction
This content was published on
Schumacher's family is auctioning off eight rare watches from his collection in Geneva. The Christie's auction will take place on Monday.
You can find an overview of ongoing debates with our journalists here . Please join us!
If you want to start a conversation about a topic raised in this article or want to report factual errors, email us at english@swissinfo.ch.