Islamabad: Nobel Peace Prize laureate Malala Yousafzai will return to Pakistan as a special guest to attend an international conference on girls' education scheduled to take place on January 11th and 12th in Islamabad.
Education Secretary Mohyuddin Ahmad Wani confirmed Malala's visit, marking her return to the country after attending a solidarity event for flood-affected communities in October 2022.
The "Girls' Education in Muslim Communities: Challenges and Opportunities" conference aims to address critical issues facing girls' education across the Muslim world, fostering dialogue and collaborative solutions.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif will deliver the keynote address, reaffirming Pakistan's commitment to promoting girls' education and gender equality.
Over 150 international dignitaries, including ministers, ambassadors, and academics from 44 countries, along with representatives from organizations like UNESCO, UNICEF, and the World Bank, will participate in the event.
The conference will culminate in the signing of the Islamabad Declaration, outlining a shared commitment to empowering girls through education and paving the way for inclusive and sustainable educational reforms.
Federal Education Minister Dr. Khalid Maqbool Siddiqui emphasized the importance of the conference, stating that all four provincial education ministers and chief ministers will be in attendance. He extended an invitation to the Afghan government to participate, acknowledging the shared challenges in education within the region.
Malala Yousafzai, who survived an assassination attempt by the Taliban in 2012 for advocating for girls' education, has become a global symbol of courage and resilience. Her visit to Pakistan for this significant conference underscores the continued importance of her advocacy and the ongoing struggle for girls' education worldwide.