Fifth International Conference on the Safe Schools Declaration

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Conference Details

Dates: 25-26 November 2025

Venue: Safari Park Hotel, Nairobi, Kenya

Livestream on YouTube: Click here to watch the livestream

Interpretation on Zoom(Arabic,French,Spanish):
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/83134730698

About the Conference

The Fifth International Conference on the Safe Schools Declaration (SSD 2025) will take place on 25–26 November 2025 in Nairobi, Kenya. This landmark event marks the 10th anniversary of the Safe Schools Declaration, a global commitment endorsed by 121 States to protect students, teachers, and schools during armed conflict.

Hosted by the Government of Kenya, in partnership with the Governments of Argentina, Norway and Spain, the Global Coalition to Protect Education from Attack (GCPEA), UNICEF, UNESCO, Plan International and Save the Children, the conference will bring together governments, UN agencies, civil society, academia, children, and youth advocates. It will serve as a platform to reflect on progress, share experiences, and adopt the Nairobi Outcome Document – a renewed global roadmap to ensure that education is never a target of war.

The primary language of the conference is English, and live interpretation will be available for French and Spanish.

Participants will be invited to view an art installation in the lobby of the hotel organised by Education Above All (EAA) Foundation and the Office of the Special Representative of the Secretary-General for Children and Armed Conflict (OSRSG-CAAC). The installation will be accessible throughout both days of the conference. This art installation combines the strategic pillars of the #UniteToProtect and #ProveItMatters campaigns of the respective organisations and embodies the principles of the Safe Schools Declaration.

All sessions of the conference will be livestreamed via the following links. Check the conference programme under the Resources tab for session times.

Livestream

Or Click here to watch the livestream on YouTube

Interpretation on Zoom(Arabic,French,Spanish):
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/83134730698

Kenya Logo
UNICEF Logo UNESCO Logo GCPEA Logo
Norway Logo Argentina Logo Argentina Logo
Save the Children Logo Plan Logo COMESA Logo

Logistics

Download the official Logistical Note.

Visa Requirements

Participants are advised to consult the official Kenya eVisa portal or their nearest Kenyan mission for visa requirements. The organisers may provide invitation letters upon request, but visa issuance is the sole responsibility of the embassy or consular authorities.

Getting to the Venue

Getting to the Venue: The Safari Park Hotel is located approximately 20 km from Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (NBO). Taxis, ride-hailing services (e.g., Uber, Bolt), or pre-arranged hotel shuttles are recommended for transport to the venue.

Electrical Plug Standard

Kenya uses Type G power sockets (British standard) with a voltage of 240V and a frequency of 50Hz. Visitors are advised to bring appropriate plug adapters for their devices.

Local Weather

Click to check the temperature and weather in Nairobi.

Accommodation

Book your stay at Safari Park Hotel:

Book Accommodation Safari Park Hotel

Travel Support

A limited travel support programme is available to assist representatives from eligible countries. While we may not be able to support all applicants, priority will be given based on need and relevance to the programme objectives.

1. Travel Support for Participants from ODA-Eligible States

A limited number of travel sponsorships are available for participants from countries on the OECD DAC list of ODA-eligible states.

What is covered:

  • Return economy-class airfare
  • Accommodation
  • Daily Subsistence Allowance (DSA), based on the official UN DSA rate for Nairobi

Who is eligible:

  • Priority will be given to participants from SSD endorsing states (maximum 1–2 participants per country) from the following ministries:
    • Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA)
    • Ministry of Defence (MOD)
    • Ministry of Education (MOE)

Selection criteria: Travel support will be prioritized for:

  • SSD Endorsing states that are conflict-affected
  • SSD Endorsing states that have good practices to share on implementation
  • Non-endorsing states that are conflict-affected
  • Non-endorsing states with good practices to share
  • Non-endorsing states from under-represented regions

If you believe you may be eligible for support under this programme, please contact: Helene Skaardal - helene.aasulfsen.skaardal@norad.no / randi.gramshaug@norad.no by ideally 5th November 2025. Requests received after this date will be reviewed but may not be guaranteed.

2. Travel Support for Participants from COMESA Member States

A separate travel support programme will be available for participants from COMESA (Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa) member states. More details will be shared on this programme shortly.

Please note that both travel support programmes are limited and subject to availability. Early inquiries are encouraged.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What is the Safe Schools Declaration (SSD) Conference?

The SSD Conference is a global intergovernmental event that brings together governments, international organizations, civil society, academia, youth, and survivors to protect education during armed conflict. The 2025 Nairobi conference marks the 10th anniversary of the SSD, endorsed by 121 states, and follows earlier conferences hosted in Norway (2015), Argentina (2017), Spain (2019), and Nigeria (2021).

2. What are the objectives of this conference?

The conference will:

  • Stocktake and learn from progress and challenges in implementing the SSD.
  • Accelerate implementation by translating SSD commitments into laws, policies, and military practices.
  • Enhance accountability through stronger legal mechanisms and gender-sensitive approaches.
  • Adopt the Nairobi Action Plan (forthcoming), setting out global commitments for safeguarding education in conflict.

3. What are the expected outcomes?

  • Renewed commitments from existing SSD endorsers and new endorsements from states.
  • Practical, context-sensitive recommendations for implementation.
  • Strengthened accountability and monitoring mechanisms.
  • Greater inclusion of youth and survivors in shaping strategies.
  • Stronger partnerships among governments, organizations, and civil society.

4. Who is the conference audience?

Participants will include:

  • Government representatives and policymakers.
  • UN agencies, regional organizations, and civil society groups.
  • Academia, researchers, and technical experts.
  • Children, youth, and survivors advocating for safe education.

5. Is there a registration fee?

No. Participation is free of charge.

6. How do I register?

Complete the online registration form at: registration.kenyaconferencessd.co.ke. Provide your details (title, name, organization, position, email, country, phone), upload a passport-style photo, and indicate if you need language translation services. You must accept the privacy and consent statement before submission.

7. Will there be travel support?

Yes, but limited. A travel support program is available for selected participants based on eligibility and funding. Travel support may cover airfare, airport transfers, and accommodation during the official conference dates. Participants must cover their own expenses for meals outside the program, visa fees, or extended stays.

8. Are visas required to enter Kenya?

Many participants will need a visa. Please check the official Kenya eVisa portal at https://immigration.go.ke/eta/ or your nearest Kenyan mission. Invitation letters can be issued to confirmed participants to support visa applications. The Organizers cannot guarantee visa approvals and are not responsible for denied applications.

9. If I don’t get travel support, can I still attend?

Yes. All confirmed registrants can attend, but you will need to arrange and pay for your own travel, visa, accommodation, and insurance.

10. What costs are covered during the event?

Included: Tea/coffee breaks and lunch during official sessions.
Not included: Dinners, personal expenses, and any costs outside the official program.

11. What is the language of the conference?

The primary language is English. Translation services may be provided for participants who indicate the need during registration.

12. Will I receive a certificate?

Yes. Certificates of participation will be issued to participants who attend the full program.

13. What happens if the conference program changes?

The Organizers reserve the right to adjust the program, speakers, or format (e.g., hybrid or virtual) if necessary. In case of cancellation, the Organizers are not liable for personal costs (travel, visas, accommodation).

More information: https://kenyaconferencessd.co.ke

Contact Us

For inquiries, please use our contact form or email us at safeschools@protectingeducation.org.

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