News Desk
LONDON: Malala Yousafzai expressed cautious optimism about Pakistan’s future, praising what she described as the growing energy and ambition of young people engaged in education and knowledge-based development. Speaking at the World Education Forum, she said Pakistan’s youth were increasingly positioning themselves as active participants in shaping the country’s social and economic trajectory, rather than passive observers of change.
Her remarks came during a wide-ranging address in which she linked Pakistan’s domestic educational challenges with broader global struggles over access to learning, particularly for girls. She highlighted the situations in Palestine, Lebanon and Afghanistan, saying girls and young women in these regions continued to face severe barriers to education. Despite this, she noted, many students were showing resilience and determination to continue learning under difficult circumstances.
Referring specifically to Afghanistan, Malala said numerous girls were still pursuing education in secret despite restrictions, a development she described as both troubling and a testament to the enduring demand for learning. She added that such conditions underscored the importance of sustained international attention on education rights and gender equality.
Beyond her formal address, she also participated in a round-table discussion with students attending the forum, engaging in dialogue on education systems, access disparities and the role of youth in policy advocacy. Organizers further included a quiz competition as part of the event program, aimed at encouraging interactive learning and student participation.
The forum itself brought together policymakers and education stakeholders from several countries. Among those in attendance was Bridget Phillipson, alongside provincial education ministers from Punjab and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa in Pakistan.
