World Creativity & Innovation Day Statement by Education Cannot Wait Director Yasmine Sherif
In today’s world, where we are constantly facing new challenges and uncertainties, it is more important than ever to foster creativity and innovation. These two qualities have the power to transform our societies and create a better future for all. That is why, on this World Creativity & Innovation Day, I am proud to join the global community in celebrating the potential of human imagination and its ability to bring positive change.
As the Director of Education Cannot Wait, an international organization dedicated to providing education to children and youth affected by conflicts and crises, I have witnessed the transformative power of creativity and innovation first-hand. In the face of adversity, children and young people have shown incredible resilience and ingenuity in finding ways to continue learning and growing. They have used their creativity to adapt to new situations and find innovative solutions to the challenges they face.
However, the reality is that millions of children and young people around the world are still denied access to quality education due to conflicts, natural disasters, and forced displacement. This not only deprives them of their fundamental right to education but also hinders their ability to develop the skills and knowledge necessary to become active and engaged citizens.
That is why Education Cannot Wait is committed to ensuring that children and youth affected by crises have access to quality education. We believe that education is not only a fundamental human right but also a powerful tool for peacebuilding and sustainable development. By providing children and young people with the opportunity to learn and grow, we are investing in a more peaceful and prosperous future for all.
On this World Creativity & Innovation Day, we must recognize that creativity and innovation are essential for achieving our goal of inclusive and quality education for all. We must also acknowledge that these qualities are not limited to a select few, but are inherent in every human being. It is our responsibility to nurture and harness this potential, especially among the most vulnerable and marginalized children and youth.
At Education Cannot Wait, we are constantly exploring new and innovative ways to deliver education to those in need. Through our partnerships with governments, UN agencies, NGOs, and the private sector, we are leveraging technology and digital tools to reach children and young people in even the most remote and hard-to-reach areas. We are also investing in initiatives that promote creativity and critical thinking, allowing children and young people to develop their full potential and become active agents of change in their communities.
On this day, I would like to call upon governments, donors, and the international community to prioritize education in emergency and crisis situations. We cannot afford to leave any child behind. We must invest in education as a long-term solution to conflicts and crises, and we must do it in a creative and innovative manner.
I would also like to urge individuals to recognize and embrace their own creativity and innovation. Each and every one of us has the power to make a positive impact and contribute to a better world. Whether it is through volunteering, fundraising, or simply spreading awareness, we can all play a part in ensuring that every child has access to quality education.
As we celebrate World Creativity & Innovation Day, let us remember that education is not a privilege, but a right. Let us work together to unleash the potential of every child and youth, and build a more peaceful and prosperous world for all. Let us be creative and innovative in our approach to education, and make sure that no child is left behind.
