Malala Yousafzai UN Speech: Girl Shot in Attack by Taliban Gives Address | The New York Times

Summary

In this inspiring speech, Malala Yousafzai emphasizes the importance of education, peace, and equality. She thanks her supporters and highlights the struggles of activists worldwide. Malala calls for global leaders to prioritize education, protect women's rights, and fight against terrorism, advocating for a world where every child has access to education.

Takeaways

• 🙏 Gratitude is expressed for the support and prayers received during recovery, highlighting the love and encouragement from around the world.
• 🌍 Malala emphasizes the importance of global education and supports initiatives like the Global Education First Initiative led by Ban Ki-moon.
• 💪 Malala's speech is dedicated to every individual who has fought for their rights, not just her own, underscoring the collective struggle for peace, education, and equality.
• 🔫 The impact of terrorism is discussed, with Malala sharing her personal experience of being shot by the Taliban and how it has strengthened her resolve rather than silencing her.
• 🤝 Malala calls for education for all, including the children of the Taliban, advocating for a nonviolent approach and compassion learned from various religious and historical figures.
• 📚 The power of education is highlighted, with Malala asserting that the pen is mightier than the sword and that extremists fear the power of knowledge and the voice of women.
• 🌐 Malala addresses the broader issues of poverty, injustice, and the deprivation of basic rights, calling for global action to ensure free, compulsory education for all children.
• 👥 She emphasizes the need for women to be independent and to fight for their rights, encouraging both men and women to stand up for equality and justice.
• 🌳 Malala calls upon world leaders to prioritize peace and prosperity in their policies, ensuring that peace deals protect the rights of women and children.
• 🌟 The speech concludes with a call to action, urging everyone to wage a global struggle against illiteracy, poverty, and terrorism, and to empower themselves with knowledge.

Q & A

What is the significance of the speaker wearing a Shawl of Bay Naazir BTO Shahid?

The Shawl of Bay Naazir BTO Shahid is a symbol of honor and respect, indicating the speaker's esteemed status and the importance of the occasion.

What does the speaker express gratitude for at the beginning of the speech?

The speaker expresses gratitude to God for equality among all people, and to everyone who prayed for their fast recovery and new life.

How does the speaker describe the impact of the love and support they received from people around the world?

The speaker is overwhelmed by the love shown to them, having received thousands of good wish cards and gifts, and acknowledges the encouragement from children and the strength from the prayers of elders.

What initiatives does the speaker support and thank the leaders for their work in?

The speaker supports Mr. Ban Ki-moon's Global Education First Initiative and the work of the UN Special Envoy Mr. Gordon Brown, as well as the respected President of the General Assembly, emphasizing their leadership and inspiration.

What is the significance of 'Malala Day' according to the speaker?

Malala Day is not just about the speaker; it is the day of every woman, boy, and girl who has raised their voice for their rights, highlighting the collective struggle for peace, education, and equality.

How does the speaker respond to the attack by the Taliban on October 9, 2012?

The speaker acknowledges the attack but emphasizes that it did not silence them; instead, it gave rise to thousands of voices demanding education and rights, and it instilled strength, power, and courage within them.

What is the speaker's stance on revenge against the Taliban or any terrorist group?

The speaker is not seeking revenge; they are advocating for the right to education for every child, including the sons and daughters of the Taliban and terrorists, promoting a philosophy of nonviolence and forgiveness.

What does the speaker believe is the most powerful weapon against ignorance and terrorism?

The speaker believes that education is the most powerful weapon, with pens and books being mightier than swords, and that the power of education is what frightens extremists.

What message does the speaker have for world leaders regarding peace and prosperity?

The speaker calls upon world leaders to change their strategic policies in favor of peace and prosperity, ensuring that peace deals protect women's and children's rights, and advocating for free compulsory education worldwide.

How does the speaker encourage women to fight for their rights?

The speaker encourages women to be brave, embrace their strength, and realize their full potential, emphasizing the importance of women being independent and fighting for their rights.

What is the speaker's final call to action for achieving the goal of education and peace?

The speaker calls for a global struggle against illiteracy, poverty, and terrorism, urging everyone to pick up books and pens as powerful weapons, and to empower themselves with knowledge and unity.