Secretary-General, in Message for International Day, Stresses

 

Importance of Providing Education Girls Deserve

 

Following is UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon’s message for the International Day of the Girl Child, to be observed on 11 October:

Empowering girls, ensuring their human rights and addressing the discrimination and violence they face are essential to progress for the whole human family.  One of the best ways to achieve all of these goals is to provide girls with the education they deserve.

Yet, too many girls, in too many countries, are held back simply because of their gender.  Those whose mother was also deprived of an education, who live in a poor community or who have a disability face an even steeper climb.  Among girls who do make it to school, many face discrimination and violence.

I launched the Global Education First Initiative to accelerate progress in getting every child into school, especially girls.  We are aiming to teach more than reading and counting; we are striving to raise global citizens who can rise to the complex challenges of the twenty-first century.

To achieve meaningful results, we need fresh solutions to girls’ education challenges and we must heed the voices of young people.  I have heard from girls around the world participating in the consultations for the new Girl Declaration.  I resolve to ensure that Global Education First mobilizes all partners to respond to their powerful call for empowerment.

More broadly, our campaign to reach the Millennium Development Goals by 2015 and shape a vision beyond that date must address the concerns and potential of the world’s girls.

On this International Day of the Girl Child, let us work together to invest in education, so that girls can advance in their personal development and contribute to our common future.

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For information media • not an official record