Remarks on Children, Technology, and Education in Conflict by China’s Permanent Representative to the UN Ambassador Fu Cong at the UN Security Council Briefing

Madam President, 

I welcome you, First Lady Melania Trump, presiding over today's meeting. I thank Under-Secretary-General Rosemary DiCarlo for her briefing.

Children are the most vulnerable group in armed conflicts, and require the most protection. Incessant conflicts around the world today have led to rising cases of violation against children in recent years, which China finds deeply disturbing. The denial of children's right to education due to conflicts not only affects the healthy development of children themselves, but also erodes the foundation of national stability and undermines development. The international community must give priority attention to this issue, build consensus, and work together to improve access to education for children in conflict zones. 

I would like to make four points.

First, strengthening the protection of children is the top priority. China strongly condemns all attacks that target children, and urges all parties to the conflicts to fulfill their obligations under international humanitarian law, protect children from the scourge of war, and uphold the most basic principles of human conscience. Attacks on schools are one of the six grave violations against children identified by the United Nations, and should be strongly condemned and resolutely opposed. The international community should respond to incidents of harming children and damaging schools with robust investigations and accountability efforts, and work together to prevent more atrocities. 

Second, ending conflicts completely is the fundamental solution. China calls on all parties to the conflicts to prioritize the interests and well-being of the wider population, end hostilities and violence as soon as possible, and resolve their differences through dialogue and consultation. The Security Council should shoulder the primary responsibility for international peace and security, stay committed to political settlement of hotspot issues, and bolster conflict mediation. The Gaza conflict has cast a dark shadow over an entire generation of Palestinian children. Israel must fully comply with the ceasefire agreement, completely lift restrictions on humanitarian access, and end the suffering of children in Gaza. Haitian gangs are forcibly recruiting large numbers of children, turning them into expendable tools of conflicts. The international community should support Haiti in addressing both the symptoms and the root causes of the multiple crises confronting the country. 

Third, promoting sustainable development represents a long-term approach. Development is key to breaking the cycle of violence, addressing the root causes of conflicts, and achieving lasting peace. The international community should strengthen cooperation in education, and in particular, help conflict-affected countries improve their educational infrastructure, scale up education investment, expand the pool of well-trained teachers, build comprehensive teaching systems, and make education more inclusive and accessible. China supports the close coordination and cooperation among UN humanitarian and development entities to accelerate the implementation of the sustainable development agenda relating to children and education and to effectively promote and protect children's rights through development. 

Fourth, proper application of technologies constitutes a crucial means. Technologies such as remote teaching, online platforms, satellite networks, and mobile terminals can break through the spatial and temporal boundaries of traditional classrooms, making knowledge literally available at fingertips and significantly empowering children's education during conflicts. At the same time, the application of technologies must be human-centric and be guided by the principle of AI for good, with full respect for the sovereignty and ownership of the countries concerned, as well as respect for local cultural traditions. It should also be driven by the physical and psychological needs of children. It is essential to expand the sharing of best practices to help the countries concerned build up their digital capacity and bridge the digital divide. It is vital to ensure data security and prevent the risks of misuse and breach. It is imperative to adhere to the principles of humanity and mutuality, and refrain from politicizing or weaponizing technologies.

Madam President,

As home to one of the world's largest child populations, China highly values the important role of new technologies such as artificial intelligence in promoting children's education and protecting children's rights. Under China's digital education strategy, digital and smart education has been identified as key to China's future educational development. Guided by the vision of building a community with a shared future for humankind, China is committed to providing public goods and engaging in results-oriented cooperation for children worldwide to benefit from the advancement in new technologies. China has been building and renovating primary and secondary schools in developing countries and providing them with teaching supplies. We have also been working with partners such as UNICEF and UNESCO to implement digital projects in conflict-affected and developing countries and promote the digital transformation of education. China stays committed to working collectively with the international community to heal wounds with love and care, empower education with technologies, and strive to ensure that no child will be left behind. 

Thank you, President.