The United Nations Secretary General Ban Ki-moon has called on countries to work together to invest in education so that girls worldwide can advance in their personal development and contribute to our common future.
In his message to commemorate International Day of the Girl Child, which is being celebrated today, 11th October, he said 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”.
However, he noted that 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”.
This is part of the reason why the Global Education First Initiative was launched, in an effort 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 21st century. To achieve meaningful results, we need fresh solutions to girls’ education challenges and we must heed the voices of young people,” he said.
He also resolved to ensure that Global Education First mobilizes all partners to respond to their powerful call for empowerment, having heard from girls around the world through consultations for the new Girl Declaration.
“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,” he stated.
-Dominica Vibes News
