Islamabad, Jan 10: The Government of Pakistan is set to host an International Conference on “Girls’ Education in Muslim Communities: Challenges and Opportunities” from January 11 to 12, 2025, in Islamabad.This significant event aims to address the challenges and opportunities in advancing girls’ education across Muslim communities worldwide, fostering dialogue, and finding actionable solutions to these challenges.
The conference will be inaugurated by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, reaffirming Pakistan’s commitment to promoting girls’ education and gender equity.Nobel Laureate and globally acclaimed advocate for girls’ education, Malala Yousafzai, is scheduled to deliver the keynote address, sharing her insights and experiences in championing this critical cause.
Approximately 150 international dignitaries, including ministers, ambassadors, scholars, and academics from 44 Muslim and friendly countries, as well as representatives from international organizations such as UNESCO, UNICEF, and the World Bank, are expected to participate. The conference will feature high-level discussions and collaborations, with speakers and panelists sharing transformative success stories and showcasing innovative approaches to advancing educational equity.
In light of recent developments in Afghanistan, where the Taliban have imposed restrictions on girls’ education, Pakistan has extended a formal invitation to the Afghan interim government to participate in the conference. Minister for Federal Education and Professional Training, Dr. Khalid Maqbool Siddiqui, expressed hope that representatives from Afghanistan would attend, emphasizing the importance of their participation in addressing the educational challenges faced by girls in Muslim communities.
The conference is jointly organized by Pakistan’s Ministry of Federal Education and Professional Training and the Muslim World League. It seeks to mobilize effective and sustainable solutions to enhance girls’ access to education, thereby contributing to the socio-economic development of Muslim communities globally.
This initiative underscores Pakistan’s dedication to addressing educational disparities and promoting inclusive development by empowering girls through education. The outcomes of this conference are anticipated to pave the way for actionable strategies and strengthened collaborations among Muslim countries to overcome barriers to girls’ education.
