Secretary-General, in Video Message for Global Education Countdown,

 

Urges Redoubled Efforts to Get Children Schooled

 

Following is the text of UN Secretary-General Ban Ki‑moon’s video message in support of the Global Education Countdown, in New York today:

I would like to thank all of you for your support of the Global Education Countdown and my Global Education First Initiative.

I am working hard with my Special Envoy Mr. Gordon Brown, as well as with UN agencies and global leaders, to make education for children the high priority it must be if we are to build the future we want.

Over the past year, from Nigeria to Pakistan, we have seen education come under attack.  Moreover, so many millions of children are not getting the schooling they need for the best possible start in life.

We must redouble our efforts to get children in school and ensure they get a quality education.  Education is a basic human right, and I am strongly committed to delivering on this promise.

I am very encouraged that young people across the world have launched the “Up for School” campaign, including a petition you hope to make the biggest in history.

Like all of you, I am “Up For School”.

I wish you every success.  You can count on my support.

Thank you.

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For information media • not an official record