Module 2: “Address to the United Nations Youth Assembly” by Malala Yousafzai

In the name of God, the most merciful, the most beneficent.

Honourable UN Secretary General Mr Ban Ki-moon, Respected President General Assembly Vuk Jeremić, Honourable UN envoy for Global education Mr Gordon Brown, Respected elders and my dear brothers and sisters...

There are hundreds of human rights activists and social workers who are not only speaking for human rights, but who are struggling to achieve their goals of education, peace and equality.

Their right to be treated with dignity.

People in Afghanistan have been affected by the hurdles of extremism for decades.

Young girls have to do domestic child labour and are forced to get married at early age.

Poverty, ignorance, injustice, racism and the deprivation of basic rights are the main problems faced by both men and women.

So today, we call upon the world leaders to change their strategic policies in favour of peace and prosperity.

We call upon all governments to ensure free compulsory education for every child all over the world.

We call upon all communities to be tolerant—to reject prejudice based on cast, creed, sect, religion or gender.

We call upon all communities to be tolerant—to reject prejudice based on cast, creed, sect, religion or gender.

We call upon all communities to be tolerant—to reject prejudice based on cast, creed, sect, 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.

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.

So let us wage a global struggle against illiteracy, poverty and terrorism and let us pick up our books and pens.