News

Global Summit on Girls Education Kicks Off in Islamabad

Global Summit on Girls Education Kicks Off

The Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) Secretary-General, Hissein Brahim Taha, has arrived in Pakistan to participate in a global conference focused on girls’ education in Muslim countries, as announced by Pakistan’s education ministry.

Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!

The conference, titled “Girls’ Education in Muslim Communities: Challenges and Opportunities,” will take place in Islamabad on January 11-12, hosted by the Pakistani education ministry. The event is expected to bring together approximately 150 participants, including education experts, religious scholars, diplomats, and politicians from 47 countries.

Minister of Federal Education and Professional Training (MoFEPT) Khalid Maqbool Siddiqui welcomed the OIC secretary-general upon his arrival. Highlighting the conference’s goals, the education ministry stated:
“This landmark event aims to create opportunities, break barriers, and empower future generations. It seeks to foster global conversations that transform lives, ensuring education for all and driving meaningful change for girls education in Muslim communities.”

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif inaugurated the event on Saturday, delivering a keynote address reaffirming Pakistan’s commitment to advancing girls’ education and promoting gender equality. The conference will conclude on Sunday with the announcement of the “Islamabad Declaration,” which will outline concrete steps to enhance girls’ education across Islamic countries.

Nobel Laureate Malala Yousafzai is set to attend the summit in person, as confirmed by a spokesperson for the Malala Fund. Reflecting on the event, Malala shared her enthusiasm on X (formerly Twitter):
“I am excited to join Muslim leaders worldwide for a critical conference on girls’ education. On Sunday, I will speak about protecting every girl’s right to education and holding the Taliban accountable for their actions against Afghan women and girls.”

The conference also underscores the dire situation in Afghanistan, the only country where girls are barred from secondary and higher education. Since the Taliban’s resurgence in 2021, an estimated 1.4 million Afghan girls have been denied access to secondary education, according to UNICEF.

Education Minister Siddiqui emphasized the importance of aligning educational practices with Islamic values, stating, “In Islam, there is no justification for restricting women’s education. Promoting girls’ education is essential for building better homes, a stronger society, and a resilient nation.”

Siddiqui expressed hope that Afghanistan would join other Islamic countries at the conference, stressing the importance of their participation. Invitations have been extended, but it remains uncertain if an Afghan delegation will attend.

Related: Malala to Attend Islamabad Summit on Girls Education
UMT 2025