At the Antalya Diplomacy Forum (ADF) 2025, Punjab Chief Minister (CM) Maryam Nawaz Sharif delivered a compelling address titled “Revolutionary Power of Education,” urging world leaders to prioritize access to quality education for every child.
“Every child must enter school, stay in school, and achieve success,” she declared, calling for global collaboration to improve educational policies, teaching practices, and learning outcomes. Framing education as a tool for empowerment and progress, she emphasized that real diplomacy must serve the welfare of people—not just the interests of states.
Extending a formal invitation to top Turkish universities, CM Maryam proposed the establishment of satellite campuses in Punjab. She also outlined a vision for youth centers and exchange programs between Pakistan and Türkiye to foster long-term cultural and academic ties.
As Punjab’s first female Chief Minister, Maryam Nawaz underscored her commitment to sweeping reforms in education, justice, and women’s empowerment. “Education is an expression of hope,” she said, pledging to eliminate systemic barriers that hinder children’s growth and success.
Key Reforms Under Her Leadership:
- Over 4,000 primary schools have been upgraded to elementary level to reduce dropout rates.
- More than 6,000 schools are now equipped with digital learning environments, replacing outdated blackboards.
- Recruitment of 30,000 teachers is underway through a fully transparent, merit-based process.
- Plans for Pakistan’s first Artificial Intelligence University and an Internet City named after Nawaz Sharif are in progress.
She also highlighted the launch of the School Nutrition Program, aimed at addressing malnutrition among students—particularly girls in underprivileged and remote areas. “I see myself as Punjab’s education ambassador—and a mother to every student,” she said.
Maryam Nawaz Sharif further expressed solidarity with children in Palestine, Afghanistan, and Sudan who are deprived of education, calling it “a crisis of humanity.” She commended Türkiye’s efforts and extended heartfelt thanks to First Lady Emine Erdoğan for her advocacy for children’s rights on international platforms.
Following her speech, global leaders and representatives from UN Women praised her vision. Delegates requested her input on policy frameworks to drive meaningful change worldwide. “Your suggestions will be a milestone for women and children’s progress,” one delegate noted. CM Maryam reaffirmed her commitment to uplift marginalized voices, both “in the halls of power and on the streets.”
Forum Applauds Punjab’s Bold Education Agenda:
- Digital transformation of 6,000 schools.
- More than 4,000 primary schools upgraded to elementary level.
- Groundwork for international academic partnerships with Türkiye.
- First AI University and Internet City under development.
- Transparent recruitment of 30,000 teachers.
- Targeted nutrition initiatives for girls in underserved regions.
“Education isn’t just literacy—it’s freedom, hope, and equality,” CM Maryam concluded, receiving a standing ovation from participants across the globe.
The Antalya Diplomacy Forum 2025 marked a defining moment in Punjab’s global educational engagement, positioning the province as a rising model of inclusive, tech-driven development.