The United
Nations Secretary-General António Guterres, has
designated children’s rights activist and Nobel Laureate Malala Yousafzai as a
UN Messenger of Peace with a special focus on girls’ education, reports
NaijaAgroNet.
“You have been to the
most difficult places […] visited several refugee camps. Your foundation has
schools in Lebanon, in the Beka’a Valley,” said Mr. Guterres at a ceremony in
the Trusteeship Council chamber at UN Headquarters, in New York.
“[You are a] symbol of
perhaps the most important thing in the world, education for all,” he
highlighted.
Ms. Yousafzai, who was
shot in 2012 by the Taliban for attending classes, is the youngest-ever UN
Messenger of Peace and the first one to be designated by Secretary-General
Guterres since he assumed office in January this year.
Accepting the
accolade, Ms. Yousafzai underscored the importance of education, especially
education of girls, for advancing communities and societies.
“[Bringing change]
starts with us and it should start now,” she said, adding: “If you want to see
your future bright, you have to start working now [and] not wait for anyone
else.”
UN Messengers of Peace are
distinguished individuals, carefully selected from the fields of art,
literature, science, entertainment, sports or other fields of public life, who
have agreed to help focus worldwide attention on the work of the global
Organization.
Backed by the highest
honour bestowed by the Secretary-General on a global citizen, these prominent
personalities volunteer their time, talent and passion to raise awareness of
UN’s efforts to improve the lives of billions of people everywhere.