Islamabad (Web Desk): Minister for Federal Education and Professional Training (MoFEPT) Dr Khalid Maqbool Siddiqui shared that Pakistan is set to host a pivotal international conference on girls’ education in Muslim countries from January 11 to 12 in Islamabad.
Addressing a press conference, the minister said that the event is being organized by the MoFEPT, in collaboration with the Muslim World League (MWL), and will focus on addressing the unique challenges and opportunities facing girls' education in these nations.
He noted that Pakistan is taking the initiative in this important cause, with an invitation extended to 57 countries, 48 of which have already confirmed their participation.
The minister said that the conference will be a platform for leaders, policymakers, diplomats, religious scholars, and education specialists from Muslim countries to discuss and exchange ideas aimed at advancing girls' education.
He said that Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif will open the conference, and Malala Yousafzai, the Nobel Peace Prize laureate and globally recognized advocate for girls' education, will deliver the keynote address.
Dr Siddiqui emphasized the urgency of tackling the educational disparities faced by girls in Muslim countries, stating that the conference will provide a foundation for actionable strategies and reforms to enhance women’s education across the region.
He expressed the hope that the event will bring significant attention to the issue of girls' education, underscoring its role as a powerful tool for transforming societies.
The minister further highlighted the government’s efforts to promote education as a key to national development, urging all nations to join in efforts to overcome the barriers preventing girls from accessing education.
He added that education is not only an essential resource for individual growth but also for the development of communities and nations.
Dr Siddiqui also assured that the government is committed to ensuring transparency in the use of educational funds, with no tolerance for corruption within the sector.
The minister said that formal invitation had already been sent to Afghanistan to participate in the international conference and expressed the hope that its representative would attend the event.
