Across the world, conflicts and crises - from Ukraine and Gaza to the DRC and the Sahel - are destabilising education systems and threatening hard‑won learning gains. As the line between humanitarian response and long‑term development blurs, education actors are challenged to deliver support that is both immediate and sustainable.

The stakes are high: disrupted learning risks the loss of an entire generation, with consequences that extend far beyond affected regions and threaten global stability. Education is a powerful force for prevention, resilience, and peace - but growing needs are colliding with shrinking budgets. Renewed commitment and innovative partnerships are urgently needed to protect the right to education in fragile and conflict‑affected contexts.

The Educaid.be International Conference 2026, themed Education for Stability, will explore how educational, humanitarian, and development actors can collaborate effectively in contexts of instability and conflict. International experts, government representatives, NGOs, and specialists will share insights on how inclusive education, school protection, and support for teachers and learners strengthen resilience and contribute to peacebuilding.

Four learning labs - drawing on global examples from Educaid.be members and partners - will highlight practical strategies that keep education going amid crises. They will address challenges such as interrupted learning, psychosocial distress, and risks faced by vulnerable children and youth, showcasing context‑specific solutions that link education, protection, and stability.

Enabel_Youth Side Event_Flyer_2026 05 27_EN

During the Educaid.be International Conference 2026, young participants will present short slam performances developed during the Youth Side Event “Education in times of crisis: Youth speak out!”, a side event organised by Enabel and held the day before. Drawing on lived experiences of education in contexts of conflict and crisis, their spoken word pieces will reflect on disrupted learning, wellbeing, inclusion and peace.

These performances will take place briefly in the morning. They are not merely artistic interludes, but meaningful contributions that amplify youth perspectives and underline the importance of engaging young people as active partners in shaping education for resilience, stability and peace.

Registrations for this youth side event are open until 20 May. The event is particularly aimed at young Belgians and those from Ukrainian, Palestinian, Congolese and Sahelian diasporas.

PROGRAMME

08:45 - 09:30

Doors open and registration (only for in-person participants)

09:30 - 10:00

Welcome & Introduction

Jonathan Crickx
Overall moderator: Jonathan Crickx
Chief of communication | United Nations children’s fund (UNICEF) - Belgium National Committee
(in-person)
Evelien Masschelein
Evelien Masschelein
Director of Thematic Expertise | Enabel
(in-person)
Tom Vandenbosch
Tom Vandenbosch
General Director | VVOB - education for development
(in-person)
Hadja Lahbib
Hadja Lahbib
Commissioner for Preparedness, Crisis Management and Equality | European Commission
(in-person)
10:00 - 10:40

Keynotes

Farida Shaheed
Farida Shaheed
Special Rapporteur on the right to education | UN Education
(online)
Line Kuppens
Line Kuppens
Assistant professor of Conflict Studies | University of Amsterdam
(in-person)

Short break 

11:00 - 12:30

Panel discussion 

Heidi Rombouts
Heidy Rombouts
Director General for Development Cooperation and Humanitarian Aid | Ministry of Foreign Affairs
(in-person)
Nafieh Assaf
Dr. Nafieh Assaf
Vice-Minister of Education and Higher Education | Palestine
(in-person)
Line Kuppens
Line Kuppens
Assistant professor of Conflict Studies | University of Amsterdam
(in-person)
Helena Murseli
Helena Murseli
Senior Advisor Education | UNICEF
(in-person)
Iryna Shumik
Iryna Shumik
Director General of the Directorate of Vocational Education at the Ministry of Education and Science of Ukraine
(Online)
12:30 - 13:30

Lunch break

13:30 - 15:00

Learning Labs 

© UNICEF/UNI669035/Nateel
Learning Lab A | Education under fire  - Approaches to Learning Continuity and Recovery in a Context of Armed Conflict
Organised by Enabel
202501-Kenya-Kakuma-InBusiness-education-7 © I. Rugenge / HI (1).jpg
Learning Lab B | Advancing Foundational Learning to Build Resilience and Stability
Organised by VVOB
15:00 - 16:30

Learning Labs 

© Rakotondraparany D. Njara / HI
Learning Lab C | Inclusion First: Rethinking Education for Peace and Stability
Organised by Humanity & Inclusion
© UNICEF/UNI448738/Ajjour
Learning Lab D | Classrooms as Safe Spaces: Bridging Education and MHPSS in Emergencies is Imperative
Organised by UNICEF Belgium
16:30 - 17:00

Closure session 

Registration form

© Photo credit: UNICEF/UNI726130/El Baba