TOKYO: Nobel Peace Prize-winner Malala Yousafzai Friday urged Japan and its fellow Group of 20 nations to pledge new funding for educating girls at June’s G20 summit, hosted by the Japanese.
Speaking alongside Shinzo Abe, the celebrated Pakistani education activist told Japan’s Prime Minister about “the importance of investing in girls now for future economic growth and global stability.”
“As the chair of this year’s G20, I hope Prime Minister Abe in Japan will lead on girls’ education and encourage all leaders to commit to new funding to prepare girls for the future of work,” she told reporters.
“I hope he can use his G20 presidency to help my sisters in Japan, G20 countries and around the world to reach their full potential because the world works better when girls go to school.”
Malala became a global symbol for girls’ education and human rights after a gunman boarded her school bus in October 2012, asked “Who is Malala?” and shot her.
After medical treatment in the UK, she continued her vocal advocacy and became the youngest-ever person to receive the Nobel Peace Prize in 2014.
Malala urges G20 to boost funds for girls’ schooling
Malala urges G20 to boost funds for girls’ schooling
- Malala became a global symbol for girls’ education
- She is the youngest-ever person to receive the Nobel Peace Prize in 2014
Pakistan PM urges unity, economic resilience in New Year message
- Sharif says Pakistan stabilized economy, countered security threats in 2025
- The prime minister vows reform, unity and diplomacy as the country enters 2026
ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif urged national unity, economic resilience and a continued focus on reform in a New Year message on Wednesday, saying the country had weathered security and economic challenges in 2025 and must now build on its gains as it enters 2026.
Sharif’s statement comes as Pakistan seeks to consolidate macroeconomic stabilization and navigate a volatile regional and global environment. He framed the year ahead as one requiring cohesion, discipline and sustained reform, while reaffirming Islamabad’s commitment to diplomacy and multilateral engagement.
“Over the past year, we responded to the aggression of enemies and countered the menace of terrorism with matchless courage and bravery, both on the battlefield and in negotiation rooms,” the prime minister said in a post on social media platform X.
“We have also taken meaningful steps to strengthen economic fundamentals, improve governance, expand social protection, and lay the groundwork for long-term development,” he added. “Our efforts are guided by our collective resolve to build a stable, self-reliant, and prosperous Pakistan that delivers opportunity and dignity to every citizen.”
Sharif said Pakistan had begun to restore confidence through fiscal discipline, structural reforms and renewed momentum in investment, exports and energy security, crediting the public’s “hard work, patience, and sacrifices” for recent progress.
On foreign policy, he said the country would continue to prioritize dialogue and cooperation amid rising instability.
“At a time of global uncertainty and conflict, Pakistan will continue to advocate dialogue over confrontation, development over division, and cooperation over unilateralism,” he said.
“With unity, discipline, and hard work, we shall build a Pakistan that is economically strong, socially just, and resilient in the face of challenges,” Sharif added.
