International Day to Protect Education from Attack2026 · Date · History · Messages · Quotes
A/RES/74/275
About International Day to Protect Education from Attack
The International Day to Protect Education from Attack is observed on 9 September to draw attention to attacks on students, educators and educational institutions and to the need for safe access to education during conflict and humanitarian emergencies.
The observance connects the right to education with protection under international law and with the long-term consequences of losing safe places to learn.
Why International Day to Protect Education from Attack matters
Attacks on education can interrupt learning, displace communities, expose children and educators to harm and undermine recovery long after an immediate crisis.
Public awareness should prioritize survivor dignity and safeguarding. It should not encourage civilians to investigate attacks, enter unsafe areas or take actions that belong to competent humanitarian, legal or security professionals.
History of International Day to Protect Education from Attack
On 28 May 2020, the UN General Assembly adopted A/RES/74/275 proclaiming 9 September as the International Day to Protect Education from Attack. UN records state that the resolution was presented by Qatar.
The first observance took place on 9 September 2020. The Secretary-General thanked Qatar, UNESCO, UNICEF and the Education Above All Foundation for organizing the inaugural high-level event.
How the observance developed
This timeline uses documented milestones from reviewed sources. Missing stages are left out rather than guessed.
State of Qatar
UN General Assembly coverage states that the resolution was presented by Qatar.
United Nations General Assembly
UN General Assembly resolution A/RES/74/275
First documented observance
The UN Secretary-General and UN in Nigeria explicitly described 9 September 2020 as the first observance.
What the evidence establishes
Confirmed institutional roles and milestones are shown first. Details that could not be established from the reviewed sources are listed separately below.
4 fields not established in reviewed sources
How to Observe International Day to Protect Education from Attack
Learn about the right to education in emergencies from UN, UNESCO or UNICEF resources.
Support reputable organizations that provide safe learning opportunities and psychosocial or material support in conflict-affected settings.
Use survivor-centred language and avoid sharing graphic imagery or identifying vulnerable children without appropriate consent and safeguarding.
For current crises, rely on qualified humanitarian and official sources rather than social-media claims when sharing information.
International Day to Protect Education from Attack Facts
The day is observed on 9 September.
The UN General Assembly proclaimed it through A/RES/74/275.
The resolution was adopted on 28 May 2020.
Qatar presented the resolution to the General Assembly.
The first observance was held on 9 September 2020.
International Day to Protect Education from Attack Messages
On International Day to Protect Education from Attack, may awareness lead to informed discussion, practical action and respect for the communities at the heart of the observance.
May International Day to Protect Education from Attack encourage thoughtful participation, shared responsibility and action that continues after the observance ends.
Wishing everyone observing International Day to Protect Education from Attack a day of reflection, constructive dialogue and purposeful follow-through.
International Day to Protect Education from Attack Quotes
“Education is a passport to a better future for every child and young person.”
Topic and context
What this page does not assume
- Keep the source-defined country, community, organizer or institutional scope; do not silently broaden it.
- Do not treat the title alone as proof of government recognition or public-holiday status.
- Do not add a creator, founding story or origin claim unless the supporting evidence establishes it.
Evidence & sources
Sources used across the guide are gathered here. Labels show how each source supports the page, and contextual references are kept separate from primary evidence.
UN Secretary-General — first observance remarks (opens in a new tab)
un.org — authoritative source (opens in a new tab)
United Nations Digital Library — A/RES/74/275 (opens in a new tab)
United Nations Meetings Coverage — adoption of the resolution (opens in a new tab)
Understand it, compare it, then explore further
Start with the most common factual questions, then compare closely related observances and explore useful connections.
Frequently asked questions
When is International Day to Protect Education from Attack?
9 September The documented recurrence rule is: 9 September.
Does International Day to Protect Education from Attack fall on the same date every year?
Yes. It uses a fixed annual date unless stronger evidence changes the pattern.
Is International Day to Protect Education from Attack an official public holiday?
The reviewed sources verify it within this scope: United Nations international observance. That recognition does not by itself make it a statutory public holiday; the site only makes public-holiday claims when reliable evidence explicitly does so.
Who established or recognizes International Day to Protect Education from Attack?
The reviewed sources identify United Nations General Assembly as the proclaiming or establishing body. The proposer or originator is recorded separately as State of Qatar.
Is International Day to Protect Education from Attack international or country-specific?
The documented scope is international or global: United Nations international observance. That does not mean every country treats the date as a public holiday or observes it in the same way.
How is this page verified?
The factual information is checked against reviewed sources, including the date pattern, scope and institutional history. This page was checked on 2026-09-05.
When did the International Day to Protect Education from Attack begin?
The UN General Assembly proclaimed the day in May 2020, and the first observance took place on 9 September 2020.
Who proposed the observance?
UN General Assembly records state that Qatar presented the resolution that became A/RES/74/275.
Is this page advice for people in an active conflict?
No. It is an educational observance guide. People facing immediate danger should follow competent local, humanitarian and official safety guidance.
Other observances on September 9
These observances are also listed on September 9, 2027.
California Admission Day
California Government Code § 6700 lists September 9 as Admission Day; state education and parks sources connect the date to California’s September 9, 1850 admission as the 31st U.S. state.
Emergency Services Day (999 Day)
The official 999 Day site states that Emergency Services Day is held on 9 September each year and describes it as a national day across the UK.
International FASD Awareness Day
FASD United’s 2026 awareness-month material states that September 9 is International FASD Awareness Day each year and frames it around awareness, understanding, support and systems change.
International Sudoku Day
Logic Masters India records the World Puzzle Federation’s announcement of 9/9 as International Sudoku Day; an institute under Turkmenistan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs independently record…
National School Picture Day
Lifetouch states that it declared National School Picture Day in 2019 and set it for the second Thursday in September each year.
R U OK?Day
R U OK? states that the campaign was born in 2009 from Gavin Larkin’s work with Janina Nearn and that R U OK?Day is held on the second Thursday in September; the organization gives 9 Septem…