UN Deputy Secretary-General Acknowledges Malala’s Impact
Nobel laureate and UN Messenger of Peace Malala Yousafzai, on her 26th birthday, delivered a powerful address in Abuja, Nigeria, emphasizing the urgent need for increased efforts to provide education to more than 120 million girls worldwide.
A Landmark Anniversary Speech
Malala’s Journey from Activism to Advocacy
Exactly a decade after her groundbreaking ‘Malala Day’ speech at the UN Headquarters in New York, where she called for global action against illiteracy, poverty, and terrorism, the Pakistani education advocate, who survived a Taliban attack, shared her unwavering commitment to advocating for girls’ education.
UN Deputy Secretary-General Praises Malala’s Impact
A Global Vision for Tolerance and Equality
Introducing Malala Yousafzai, UN Deputy Secretary-General Amina Mohammed acknowledged her ability to transcend borders, cultures, and generations, while highlighting the universal resonance of her message and passion.
Mohammed emphasized that both the UN and Malala understand that quality education for both girls and boys is not merely a dream but a fundamental human right.
Malala’s Call for Action
Empowering Girls Through Education
Over the years since her UN speech, Malala has completed her high school and university education, traveled extensively to over 30 countries, and established the Malala Fund, which aims to remove barriers to girls’ education.
She spoke passionately about her efforts to draw attention to the plight of the nearly 120 million girls denied education due to factors such as poverty, patriarchy, climate, and conflict.
Her commitment was further demonstrated through visits to various countries, where she met with local girls, including refugees, indigenous communities, and activists.
Celebrating Victories, Acknowledging Challenges
The Journey Towards Gender Equality
While celebrating the achievements of girls who have overcome obstacles to earn university degrees and enter the workforce, Malala emphasized that progress remains insufficient.
She called for continued efforts to address the challenges faced by millions of girls worldwide, acknowledging that governments, communities, and families still hold many young women back from achieving their full potential.
The Struggle for Change
A Global Crisis for Girls’ Education
Malala highlighted the global initiatives aimed at enhancing education and gender equality to meet the Sustainable Development Goal of quality education for all by 2030.
However, she also stressed that these accomplishments cannot overshadow the stark reality faced by hundreds of millions of girls, exacerbated by the fallout from the COVID-19 pandemic.
She specifically pointed out the situation in Afghanistan, where women and girls are now banned from pursuing an education, highlighting the alarming reversal of progress.
Building a Collective Future
The Power of Education and Gender Equality
Reflecting on her famous UN speech, Malala acknowledged the limitations of individual efforts in changing the world but emphasized that change can begin with one person.
She called for collaborative action to ensure all children have access to 12 years of quality education, holding leaders accountable for their commitments to gender equality and education.
Malala also stressed the need to address deep-rooted patriarchal norms that hinder girls’ progress, stating that breaking free from cultural and religious misogyny would address many challenges faced by girls.
Hope for the Future
Empowering Girls to Lead the Way
Malala expressed her belief in the potential of young girls as future leaders. She highlighted their understanding of the transformative power of education and their commitment to opening the school gates for every child.
She urged the global community to support their determination, provide the necessary funding, and follow their lead, assuring progress in the next decade.
A Visit Focused on Education
Deputy Secretary-General’s Trip to Borno State
As part of the visit, UN Deputy Secretary-General Amina Mohammed accompanied Malala and her father, Ziauddin Yousafzai, on a trip to Maiduguri, the capital of Borno State.
They visited three schools dedicated to providing quality education to girls affected by violence, underscoring the significance of their commitment to empowering girls through education.
Next Steps for the UN
Following her visit to Nigeria, Deputy Secretary-General Amina Mohammed will travel to Brussels to participate in UN-European Union meetings alongside the Secretary-General, continuing discussions on key global issues.
Sources: THX News & United Nations.
