Malala has transcended borders, cultures, generations – Amina J. Mohammed

United Nations Deputy Secretary-General Amina J. Mohammed has stated that the UN Messenger of Peace, Malala Yousafzai, had transcended borders, cultures, and generations, while her message and her passion had touched people the world over.

“I will never forget 10 years ago when she was in the UN, a young girl who rose to the podium at the UN and declared to the world in the strongest of voices. She said that: ‘One child, one teacher, one book, one pen can change the world’.” She said at a special event in Abuja co-hosted with Malala in observance of Malala Day, celebrated every 12 July.

At the event titled, “Addressing a decade of work for girls’ education”, Mohammed called on leaders at every level to heed Malala’s words and back that up with investments in education.

With more than 129 million girls out of school, Malala renewed her call for collective action to make sure the next generation of girls are able to learn and lead without fear. She also reflected on lessons learned over the last decade.

“I will tell you what I did not know then… one teacher, one activist, one parent — no one can change the world on their own. What is true is that change can begin with just one person,” said Malala Yousafzai. “To build a world where every child has access to 12 years of quality education, we must join forces. We must bring girls and governments together with activists and educators, parents and community leaders.”

The event focused on the transformative power of educating girls and marked a decade since Malala delivered her famed speech at the U.N. General Assembly at 16 years old.