Malala Yousafzai addresses United Nations Youth Assembly

Summary

In this powerful speech, Malala Yousafzai addresses the UN, advocating for education and the rights of women and children. She recounts her own experience with the Taliban and emphasizes the transformative power of education despite adversity. Malala calls for global action to ensure free, compulsory education for all, and urges world leaders to prioritize peace and protect the rights of the vulnerable. Her message of unity, empowerment, and the strength of knowledge resonates as she inspires a global struggle against illiteracy, poverty, and terrorism.

Takeaways

• 🙏 The speaker begins with a prayer invoking the name of God, emphasizing a tone of reverence and respect.
• 🌟 The speaker addresses high-ranking officials such as the UN Secretary-General and the President of the General Assembly, highlighting the importance of their roles in global issues.
• 🎗 The mention of wearing a shawl of Benazir Bhutto Shaheed signifies the continuation of a legacy and the importance of female leadership.
• 💌 The speaker expresses gratitude for the support and prayers received from around the world, showing the global solidarity and love.
• 🤝 The speaker supports the Global Education First Initiative and the work of UN envoys, emphasizing the collective effort needed for education and peace.
• 🔊 'Malala Day' is declared not as a personal celebration but as a day for all those who advocate for rights, indicating the broader significance of the movement.
• 👥 The speaker acknowledges the struggles of human rights activists and social workers, emphasizing the collective fight for peace, education, and equality.
• 🎯 The speaker was targeted by the Taliban but uses her experience to advocate for the right to education, showing resilience and dedication to the cause.
• 🕊 The speaker promotes non-violence, forgiveness, and compassion, drawing inspiration from various religious figures and leaders, advocating a peaceful approach to change.
• 📚 The power of education is highlighted as a tool that frightens extremists, underlining the importance of literacy and knowledge in combating ignorance and fear.
• 🌍 The speaker calls for global action, urging leaders to prioritize peace, education, and the protection of women and children's rights, emphasizing a unified approach to global issues.

Q & A

Who is the speaker addressing the audience in the provided script?

The speaker is Malala Yousafzai, a Pakistani activist for female education and the youngest Nobel Prize laureate.

What is the main theme of Malala's speech?

The main theme of Malala's speech is the importance of education, particularly for girls, and the struggle for peace, equality, and human rights.

What significant event happened to Malala on the 9th of October 2012?

On the 9th of October 2012, Malala was shot on the left side of her forehead by the Taliban because of her advocacy for girls' education.

What does Malala emphasize about the power of education in her speech?

Malala emphasizes that education is a powerful tool that frightens extremists and terrorists, as it brings about change and equality in society.

What does Malala say about her feelings towards the Taliban member who shot her?

Malala expresses that she does not harbor hatred towards the Taliban member who shot her, advocating for compassion and forgiveness inspired by various religious figures and leaders.

What does Malala call for from world leaders in terms of strategic policies?

Malala calls for world leaders to change their strategic policies in favor of peace and prosperity, ensuring that all peace deals protect the rights of women and children.

What is Malala's stance on the role of men in advocating for women's rights?

Malala is not asking men to step away from speaking for women's rights; instead, she is encouraging women to be independent and fight for their own rights.

What does Malala consider to be the most powerful weapon against illiteracy, poverty, and terrorism?

Malala considers books and pens as the most powerful weapons against illiteracy, poverty, and terrorism, emphasizing the importance of education.

What does Malala believe about the future of children and the role of education in it?

Malala believes that education is crucial for every child's bright future and that it is the key to empowerment and societal change.

How does Malala describe the impact of the attack on her life?

Malala describes the impact of the attack as transformative, where weakness, fear, and hopelessness died, and strength, power, and courage were born.

What does Malala advocate for in terms of global action against social issues?

Malala advocates for a global struggle against illiteracy, poverty, and terrorism, urging unity and the use of knowledge as a weapon for change.

Outlines

00:00

🌟 Opening Address and Gratitude

The speaker begins with a traditional Islamic greeting and extends peace to the audience, which includes notable figures like the UN Secretary-General, the President of the General Assembly, and the UN Envoy for Global Education. She expresses her honor in addressing the assembly and her gratitude for the support she has received during her recovery. The speaker also acknowledges the significance of wearing a shawl that belonged to Benazir Bhutto and emphasizes the collective nature of Malala Day, highlighting the struggles of human rights activists and social workers for peace, education, and equality.

05:02

🔊 Resilience and Advocacy for Education

In this paragraph, the speaker recounts the attack by the Taliban, expressing that despite the violence, it only strengthened her resolve. She maintains her commitment to education and peace, advocating not just for her rights but for those of every child. The speaker also articulates her philosophy of non-violence and forgiveness, inspired by various religious figures and leaders. She calls for education for all, including the children of her attackers, and emphasizes the power of the pen over the sword, noting the fear extremists have of education and the empowerment it brings to women.

10:07

🌍 Global Appeal for Peace and Education

The speaker broadens her focus to the global stage, calling for world leaders to prioritize peace and education in their policies. She addresses the plight of children and women affected by wars, terrorism, and social injustices across different regions, including Pakistan, Afghanistan, India, and Nigeria. The speaker urges governments to provide free and compulsory education and to protect children from harm. She also calls upon developed nations to support educational opportunities for girls in developing countries and for communities to embrace tolerance and reject prejudice.

15:07

📚 The Power of Education and Unity

Concluding her speech, the speaker emphasizes the transformative power of education and the strength found in unity. She encourages the empowerment through knowledge and the importance of standing together against illiteracy, poverty, and terrorism. The speaker envisions a global struggle led by the tools of education—books and pens—as the most powerful weapons. She ends with a message of hope and determination, asserting that education is the key to a brighter future and that the collective voice for change cannot be silenced.

Keywords

💡Global Education First Initiative

The Global Education First Initiative is a program launched by the United Nations to prioritize education and make it a global priority. In the script, Malala expresses her full support for this initiative, which aligns with her advocacy for education and her mission to ensure that every child has access to quality education. It is a key part of the broader theme of the video, emphasizing the importance of education for global development and peace.

💡Human Rights Activists

Human rights activists are individuals who advocate for the rights and fair treatment of all individuals without discrimination. In the video, Malala mentions these activists as part of the broader struggle for rights, including the right to education. They represent the many voices that have been raised against injustice and oppression, and their inclusion in the script underscores the collective effort required to achieve social change and equality.

💡Terrorism

Terrorism refers to the use of violence and intimidation, especially against civilians, in the pursuit of political aims. The script discusses the impact of terrorism on education and society, with Malala sharing her personal experience of being shot by the Taliban. The reference to terrorism highlights the challenges faced by those advocating for education and peace, and it serves as a reminder of the violent opposition they sometimes encounter.

💡Compassion

Compassion is the feeling of deep sympathy and sorrow for another's suffering, often leading to a desire to alleviate that suffering. In the script, Malala speaks of her lack of hatred towards her attacker and her belief in the power of forgiveness and compassion. This concept is central to her message of peace and non-violence, and it is exemplified by the teachings of various religious and moral leaders she mentions, such as Muhammad, Jesus Christ, and Lord Buddha.

💡Non-violence

Non-violence is the practice of resolving conflicts and disagreements without the use of violence or force. Malala learned the philosophy of non-violence from figures like Gandhi, Bacha Khan, and Mother Teresa, as mentioned in the script. Non-violence is a key principle in her advocacy for change and is a fundamental aspect of her message, emphasizing the power of peaceful protest and dialogue over aggression.

💡Education

Education is the process of acquiring knowledge, skills, values, and habits that enables individuals to participate fully in society. The script repeatedly emphasizes the right to education as a fundamental human right. Malala's advocacy for education is the central theme of the video, with her calling for universal access to education as a means to empower individuals and promote peace and equality.

💡Equality

Equality refers to the state of being equal, especially in terms of rights, opportunities, and status. In the video, Malala calls for equality of opportunity and the empowerment of women and girls through education. Equality is a core value in her message, as it represents the ideal state where everyone has the same chances to learn, grow, and contribute to society without discrimination.

💡Peace

Peace is the state of tranquility and the absence of conflict. Malala's speech is a call for peace, as she discusses the need for a peaceful environment to ensure that education can flourish. She also emphasizes that peace is necessary for the well-being of all, particularly women and children who often suffer the most in times of conflict, as illustrated by examples from various parts of the world.

💡Women's Rights

Women's rights refer to the rights and entitlements claimed for women and girls worldwide, based on the principle of gender equality. In the script, Malala focuses on women's rights and girls' education as areas where they suffer the most. She encourages women to be independent and fight for their own rights, which is a call for empowerment and self-advocacy within the broader struggle for gender equality.

💡Tolerance

Tolerance is the capacity to endure or allow behavior, ideas, or beliefs that one does not agree with. Malala calls upon all communities to be tolerant and to reject prejudice based on various factors such as caste, creed, sect, color, religion, or gender. Tolerance is presented as a necessary quality for fostering a society that respects diversity and promotes freedom and equality for all.

💡Unity

Unity refers to the state of being united or joined as a whole. In the script, Malala emphasizes the power of unity and togetherness in achieving the goal of education for all. She suggests that by standing united, individuals can become a powerful force for change, illustrating how collective action is essential in the fight against illiteracy, poverty, and terrorism.

Highlights

Malala Yousafzai starts her speech with a message of peace and gratitude.

She expresses honor in wearing a shawl of Benazir Bhutto Shaheed.

Malala thanks everyone for their prayers and support during her recovery.

She acknowledges the support from Mr. Ban Ki-moon and Mr. Gordon Brown for education.

Malala clarifies that Malala Day is for every person who raises their voice for rights.

She emphasizes the importance of education for peace, equality, and dignity.

Malala recounts the attack by the Taliban and how it failed to silence her.

She shares her newfound strength, power, and courage after the attack.

Malala advocates for education for all, including the children of the Taliban.

She professes non-violence and forgiveness, inspired by various religious figures and leaders.

Malala discusses the power of education and how it frightens extremists.

She calls for world leaders to prioritize peace and education in their policies.

Malala urges governments to ensure free, compulsory education for every child.

She highlights the need for developed nations to support education in developing countries.

Malala encourages women to be brave, independent, and to fight for their rights.

She emphasizes unity and togetherness as the path to achieving educational goals.

Malala concludes by stating that education is the only solution and calls for a global struggle against illiteracy, poverty, and terrorism.

Transcripts

Bismillah hir rahman ir rahim. [In the name of God.]

In the name of God,

the Most Beneficent, the Most Merciful.

Honorable UN Secretary-General Mr. Ban Ki-moon,

Respected President General Assembly Vuk Jeremić,

Honorable UN Envoy for Global Education Mr. Gordon Brown,

Respected elders, and my dear brothers and sisters;

As-Salaam-Alaikum [Peace be unto you].

Today, it is an honor for me

to be speaking again

after a long time.

Being here with such honorable people

is a great moment in my life

and it's an honor for me

that today I'm wearing a shawl

of Benazir Bhutto Shaheed.

I don't know where to begin my speech.

I don't know what people would be expecting me to say.

But first of all, thank you to God

for whom we all are equal

and thank you to every person who has prayed

for my fast recovery and a new life.

I cannot believe

how much love people have shown me.

I have received thousands of

good wish cards and gifts

from all over the world.

Thank you to all of them.

Thank you to the children

whose innocent words encouraged me.

Thank you to my elders

whose prayers strengthened me.

I would like to thank my nurses, doctors,

and the staff of the hospitals

in Pakistan and the UK,

and the UAE government

who have helped me

to get better and recover my strength.

I fully support Mr. Ban Ki-moon, the Secretary-General

in his Global Education First Initiative

and the work of the UN Special Envoy Mr. Gordon Brown

and the Respected President General Assembly Vuk Jeremić.

I thank all of them for their leadership

that they continue to give.

They continue to inspire

all of us to action.

Dear brothers and sisters,

do remember one thing.

Malala day is not my day.

Today is the day

of every woman,

every boy,

and every girl

who have raised their voice for their rights.

There are hundreds of human rights activists

and social workers

who are not only speaking for their rights

but who are struggling

to achieve their goal

of peace, education, and equality.

Thousands of people have been killed

by the terrorists

and millions have been injured.

I'm just one of them.

So here I stand,

so here I stand,

one girl among many.

I speak, not for myself,

but for those without voice can be heard,

those who have fought for their rights:

Their right to live in peace.

Their right to be treated with dignity.

Their right to equality of opportunity.

Their right to be educated.

Dear friends,

on the 9th of October 2012,

the Taliban shot me on the left side of my forehead.

They shot my friends, too.

They thought that the bullet would silence us.

But they failed.

And out of that silence came

thousands of voices.

The terrorists thought

that they would change my aims

and stop my ambitions.

But nothing changed in my life except this:

Weakness, fear, and hopelessness died.

Strength, power, and courage was born.

[Applause]

I am the same Malala.

My ambitions are the same.

My hopes are the same.

And my dreams are the same.

Dear sisters and brothers,

I am not against anyone.

Neither am I here to speak in terms of

personal revenge against the Taliban

or any other terrorist group.

I'm here to speak up

for the right of education of every child.

[Applause]

I want education for the sons and daughters

of the Taliban and all the  terrorists and extremists.

I do not even hate the Talib who shot me.

Even if there is a gun in my hand

and he stands in front of me,

I would not shoot him.

This is the compassion

that I have learned

from Muhammad, the prophet of mercy,

Jesus Christ,

and Lord Buddha.

This is the legacy of change

that I have inherited

from Martin Luther King,

Nelson Mandela,

and Muhammad Ali Jinnah.

[Applause]

This is the philosophy of non-violence

that I have learned from Gandhi ji,

Bacha Khan, and Mother Teresa.

And this is the forgiveness

that I have learned

from my father and from my mother. And...

[Applause]

this is what my soul is telling me.

Be peaceful and love everyone.

Dear sisters and brothers,

we realize the importance of light

when we see darkness.

We realize the importance of our voice

when we are silenced.

In the same way,

when we were in Swat, the north of Pakistan,

we realized the importance of pens and books

when we saw the guns.

The wise saying,

"The pen is mightier than [the] sword" was true.

The extremists were and they are afraid of books and pens.

The power of education,

the power of education frightens them.

They are afraid of women.

The power of the voice of women frightens them.

And that is why they killed 14 innocent students

in the recent attack in Quetta.

And that is why they killed female teachers

and polio workers in Khyber Pukhtoon Khwa and FATA.

That is why they are blasting schools every day

because they were and they are

afraid of change,

afraid of equality that we will bring into our society.

And I remember

that there was a boy in our school

who was asked by a journalist,

"Why are the Taliban against education?"

He answered very simply.

By pointing to his book,

he said, "A Talib doesn't know

what is written inside this book."

They think

that God is a tiny, little conservative being

who would send girls to the hell

just because of going to school.

The terrorists

are misusing the name of Islam and Pashtun society

for their own personal benefits.

[Applause]

Pakistan is a peace-loving, democratic country.

Pashtuns want education

for their daughters and sons.

And Islam is a religion

of peace, humanity, and brotherhood.

Islam says, "It's not only

each child's right to get education—

rather, it's their duty and responsibility."

Honorable Secretary-General,

peace is necessary for education.

In many parts of the world,

especially Pakistan and Afghanistan,

terrorism, wars, and conflicts

stop children to go to their schools.

We are really tired of these wars.

Women and children are suffering

in many ways

in many parts of the world.

In India,

innocent and poor children

are victims of child labor.

Many schools have been destroyed in Nigeria.

People in Afghanistan have been affected

by the hurdles of extremism for decades.

Young girls have to do domestic child labor

and are forced to get married at early age.

Poverty, ignorance, injustice, racism,

and the deprivation of basic rights

are the main problem faced by both men and women.

Dear fellows,

today

I am focusing on women's rights and girls' education

because they are suffering the most.

There was a time

when women social activists asked

men to stand up for their rights.

But, this time, we will do it by ourselves.

[Applause]

I'm not telling men to step away

from speaking for women's rights.

Rather, I'm focusing on women

to be independent to fight for themselves.

So, dear sisters and brothers,

now it's time to speak up.

So, today, we call upon the world leaders

to change their strategic policies

in favor of peace and prosperity.

We call upon the world leaders

that all the peace deals must protect

women and children's rights.

A deal that goes against

the rights of women

is unacceptable.

[Applause]

We call upon all governments

to ensure free, compulsory education

all over the world for every child.

[Applause]

We call upon all the governments

to fight against terrorism and violence,

to protect children

from brutality and harm.

We call upon the developed nations

to support the expansion of

educational opportunities

for girls in the developing world.

We call upon all the communities

to be tolerant –

to reject prejudice based on

caste, creed, sect,

color, religion, or gender,

to ensure freedom and equality for women

so that they can flourish.

We cannot all succeed

when half of us are held back.

We call upon our sisters around the world

to be brave –

to embrace the strength within themselves

and realize their full potential.

Dear brothers and sisters,

we want schools and education

for every child's bright future.

We will continue our journey

to our destination of peace and education.

No one can stop us.

We will speak up for our rights

and we will bring change through our voices.

We believe

in the power and the strength of our words.

Our words can change the whole world

because we are all together,

united for the cause of education.

And if we want to achieve our goal,

then let us empower ourselves

with the weapon of knowledge

and let us shield ourselves

with unity and togetherness.

Dear brothers and sisters,

we must not forget

that millions of people are suffering

from poverty, injustice, and ignorance.

We must not forget

that millions of children

are out of their schools.

We must not forget

that our sisters and brothers

are waiting for a bright, peaceful future.

So, let us wage,

so, let us wage a global struggle

against illiteracy, poverty, and terrorism.

Let us pick up,

let us pick up our books and our pens.

They are our most powerful weapons.

One child,

one teacher,

one book,

and one pen

can change the world.

Education is the only solution.

Education first.

Thank you.

[Applause]