Joint Statement by UNICEF Representative Eltayeb Adam and UN Resident Coordinator Nathalie Fustier welcoming The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia’s decision to resume in-person school attendance

"We congratulate children, parents and teachers on the reopening of schools for the first time since March 2020 when the COVID-19 pandemic started.

“We commend the Government of Saudi Arabia on the wise decision and call for the reopening of all schools for all children.

“A safe transition for children back to their schools will inspire everyone. Children deserve to live moments of joy inside their schools, and they deserve to learn and dream for a better future through quality education.

“Evidence has shown that prolonged school closures, combined with inequitable access to remote learning for some children, including the most vulnerable, has had a devastating impact on students' learning, health and well-being.

“School closures should be avoided even as the new Omicron variant spreads. Schools must be the last places to close and the first to reopen.”