UN Messenger of Peace Malala Yousafzai has called upon world leaders to make schools safe for girls around the world and invest in children’s education.

Speaking at the Transforming Education Summit at the UN General Assembly, Yousafzai spoke about how the world is facing an education emergency, as rights are being stripped away from girls.

“In Afghanistan, the Taliban have banned girls…from their education. In Uganda and Pakistan, droughts and floods are ravaging homes. Conflict and violence in countries like Ethiopia, Ukraine and other countries are keeping girls…out of the classroom,” she said.

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She spoke about education as the key to creating a safe and sustainable future. “If you are serious about creating a safe and sustainable future for the children, then be serious about education,” she said. “You have heard enough about how education transforms lives, strengthens economies and contributes to a more peaceful world.”

“You know every country, community and corporation would benefit from every girl having access to safe, quality and free education.

“And if you are still in doubt about the impact of education, go ask a girl. She will tell you what education means to her.”

She urged world leaders to go beyond short-term solutions, and focus their investments in education in ways that will make lasting change.

“Most of you know what exactly needs to be done. You must not make small, stingy and short-term pledges, but commit to uphold the right to complete education and close the funding gap once and for all,” Yousafzai said.

“You must use the power you have to take action. Allocate 20 per cent of your budgets to education…Remove gender bias from curriculum, improve content and make schools safe for girls. Work with those who are closest to the challenges to transform education.”

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The Nobel Peace Prize laureate has spoken out for years about the importance of girls education. In 2012, she was shot by a gunman on a school bus in retaliation for her activism.

Yousafzai was joined at the Transforming Education Summit by other well-known activists including Amanda Gorman and Priyanka Chopra.

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