Pakistan Hopes Afghanistan Attends Global Girls’ Education Conference

ISLAMABAD: January 10 – Pakistan has extended a formal invitation to Afghanistan to participate in an international conference on girls’ education, a pressing issue across many Muslim countries. The conference, titled “Girls’ Education in Muslim Communities: Challenges and Opportunities,” is set to take place in Islamabad from January 11 to 12.

Organized by the Ministry of Federal Education and Professional Training (MoFEPT) in collaboration with the Muslim World League (MWL), the event aims to address the barriers faced by girls in accessing quality education. Representatives from 48 countries, including policymakers, religious scholars, educationists, and diplomats, have confirmed their participation, with expectations of meaningful dialogue and actionable outcomes.

Federal Minister for Education and Professional Training Dr. Khalid Maqbool Siddiqui addressed a press conference. He emphasized the importance of Afghanistan’s participation. He noted Afghanistan’s proximity and shared cultural and religious values with Pakistan. “We have extended an invitation to Afghanistan to participate in this conference,” Siddiqui stated. “We hope that their delegation will attend, as it is a very important neighboring country,” he added.

OIC Secretary-General Joins the Global Girls’ Education Summit

Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) Secretary-General Hissein Brahim Taha has arrived in Pakistan to attend the global conference, according to the Pakistani education ministry. He was received by Federal Education Minister Khalid Maqbool Siddiqui upon his arrival.

The Pakistani education ministry highlighted the significance of the event on Friday, stating:
“Bringing together global leaders, educators, and changemakers to discuss innovative solutions and inspire progress for #GirlsEducation in Muslim communities. This landmark event is a step toward creating opportunities, breaking barriers, and empowering future generations. Let’s ensure #EducationForAll and drive meaningful #GlobalConversations that transform lives!”

The OIC, the second-largest intergovernmental organization after the United Nations, represents 57 member states and works to safeguard and protect the interests of the Muslim world. Secretary-General Taha’s presence highlights the OIC’s commitment to advancing education as a key driver of socio-economic development.

The participation of the OIC reflects its broader agenda of enabling unity among its member states. It also supports efforts that uplift the marginalized, particularly women and girls. Secretary-General Taha’s engagement at this conference is expected to catalyze further collaboration. It will also help mobilize resources to advance girls’ education across the Islamic world.

Girls’ Education: A Cornerstone of Islamic Values

Highlighting the urgency of the issue, Siddiqui underscored that Islam unequivocally supports education for both men and women. “In Islam, there is no justification for restricting women’s education,” he affirmed. The conference aims to advocate for inclusive educational policies that align with Islamic teachings, which emphasize equality and the pursuit of knowledge.

The conference will also serve as a platform to address the ongoing education crisis in Afghanistan, where over 1.4 million girls have been denied secondary education since the Taliban’s return to power in 2021. International bodies, including the United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA) and the United Nations International Children’s Emergency Fund (UNICEF), have repeatedly raised concerns over the deprivation of education for Afghan women and girls.

Also See: Afghan Women Deserve Better

A Call for Global Action

The event’s agenda reflects a commitment to addressing the educational disparities in Muslim communities. With Nobel Laureate Malala Yousafzai set to deliver the keynote address, the conference seeks to inspire collective efforts to overcome challenges. Discussions will focus on implementing effective policies. They will also emphasize fostering international cooperation. Additionally, the conference will promote the Islamic message that education is a fundamental right for all.

Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif will inaugurate the event, reaffirming Pakistan’s dedication to promoting gender equality and educational access. The conference will also feature a session of global religious scholars, chaired by Pakistan’s Religious Affairs Minister, on January 10.

Importantly, the conference will include observers from non-Muslim countries, with representatives from diplomatic missions in Islamabad also in attendance. Their participation signals the universal importance of girls’ education and the need for a collaborative global approach to address educational inequalities.

Bridging Divides

While the participation of the Afghan interim government remains uncertain, the invitation signifies Pakistan’s willingness to engage its neighbor in addressing shared challenges. Education is not only a human right but also a vital tool for societal progress. As Dr. Siddiqui noted, “By promoting girls’ education, we can build better homes, a better society, and a stronger nation.”

Pakistan’s Foreign Office confirmed that 150 representatives from 47 countries, including education experts, religious scholars, and diplomats, will partake in the summit. The gathering underscores the collective commitment to advancing education for girls, reaffirming Islamic values of knowledge, equality, and societal development.

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