“Unoccupied young people are not only an education issue,” Ms Bokova said. “As unprecedented levels of sectarian extremism and violence unfold across the region, failure to provide quality education contributes to idleness, anger and frustration, as well as manipulation and exploitation of young people. It creates fertile ground for attraction to radicalism and violence.”

“Across the region, parents, teachers and governments are making tremendous efforts to help these young people by ensuring the continuity of education, to build resilience and foster peace in extreme circumstances,” she added. “UNESCO is determined to put the full force of its mandate behind this goal, for the Syrian people and for the whole region.”

The initiative builds on and reinforces several UNESCO programmes already in place. Over the past three years, the Organization and its partners, including the European Union, have provided support through a variety of programmes to youth affected by the Syria crisis in Iraq, Jordan and Lebanon, as well as inside Syria. Some $2.4bn was pledged by participants at today’s conference, which was chaired by the UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon, and hosted by the Emir of Kuwait, His Highness Sheikh Sabah Al Ahmed Al Jaber Al Sabah.

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                                                    Media contact:
                                                     Sue Williams
                                                        UNESCO
                                             Tel: +33 (0)1 4568 1706 

                                                s.williams@unesco.org