Under the Patronage of the Prime Minister of Pakistan, the Muslim World League Launches the Initiative for Girls' Education in Muslim Communities from Islamabad
Mr. Sharif: We appreciate the MWL's steadfast commitment to the cause of education and its leadership in this important initiative.
Dr. Al-Issa: The initiative will not be a temporary appeal, an empty declaration, or a symbolic stance. Rather, it will represent a qualitative transformation in advocating for girls' education.
Mr. Taha: The OIC is committed to support the girls' education initiative and work towards its success.
Islamabad:
Under the patronage of Mr. Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif, Prime Minister of Pakistan, the Muslim World League, led by its Secretary-General and Chairman of the Organization of Muslim Scholars, Sheikh Dr. Mohammed bin Abdulkarim Al-Issa, launched a groundbreaking international initiative today to promote girls' education in Muslim communities. The initiative, unveiled in the capital, Islamabad, is hosted and supported by the Pakistani government.
The launch event brought together key figures and institutions committed to advancing education and Islamic principles. The Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), represented by its Secretary-General, Hissein Brahim Taha, attended as a supporter of the initiative and its programs. Participants included distinguished Islamic scholars, members of academic and religious councils, representatives from the Islamic Fiqh Council affiliated with the Muslim World League, and the International Islamic Fiqh Academy affiliated with the OIC. Senior officials from the education and higher education sectors, along with leadership from the League of Islamic Universities, also participated in the conference.
The initiative is primarily focused on raising awareness across Muslim communities at large regarding girls' education through various themes, a number of joint programs, and supportive agreements. Its message and awareness objectives address Muslim communities both within the Islamic world and beyond, targeting individuals as well as public and private institutions.
Furthermore, the initiative included the "Islamabad Declaration on Girls' Education," which is issued by the conference, and it will be presented to governmental and non-governmental international organizations and institutions, both public and private, with a proposal to designate an international day dedicated to the initiative's primary outcome.
It also comprised the establishment of an International Partnerships Platform, facilitated by the signing of multiple agreements with regional and international entities and organizations dedicated to women's empowerment, advocating for girls' right to education, and implementing practical initiatives to support these goals.
Dr. Al-Issa emphasized that “this initiative, with God's help, will be both effective and tangible through the substantive agreements signed. It will not be a temporary appeal, an empty declaration, or simply a symbolic stance. Rather, it will represent a qualitative transformation in advocating for girls' education—bringing prosperity to every deprived girl and to every community in dire need of the contributions of both its sons and daughters equally.”
He affirmed that the Islamabad Declaration on Girls' Education will document this initiative with its strong and effective determination.
The Prime Minister of Pakistan, His Excellency Mr. Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif, thanked the MWL for its firm commitment to the cause of education, and for leading this important initiative, as it deals with one of the most pressing challenges of our time.
Meanwhile, His Excellency Mr. Hissein Brahim Taha, the Secretary-General of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), affirmed the OIC's commitment to supporting the initiative and working towards its success, ensuring that its benefits reach all girls across the Islamic world. He commended the Muslim World League, under the leadership of its Secretary-General, His Excellency Sheikh Dr. Mohammed bin Abdulkarim Al-Issa, for its dedication to serving the Islamic world and dealing with pressing challenges.
Mr. Taha emphasized that girls' education forms the cornerstone of a strong society and represents a shared responsibility that facilitates progress and prosperity. At the Organization of Islamic Cooperation, we categorically oppose any policies or practices that violate the respectful and honorable teachings of Islam regarding women.
For his part, His Excellency Dr. Khalid Maqbool Siddiqui, Federal Minister of Education and Vocational Training in the Islamic Republic of Pakistan, affirmed that this day represents a shared vision for empowering women through education. He stressed that education is not merely a privilege but a fundamental right.
His Excellency pointed out that Islam affirms that education is a fundamental right for everyone; however, the main challenge lies in the misinterpretation of Islamic teachings, which we have convened today to address.
Meanwhile, Her Excellency Lieutenant General Dr. Nigar Johar Khan, the first Pakistani woman to attain the rank of Lieutenant General in the Pakistan Army, shared her experience with education. She underlined that educating women strengthens their role in decision-making at all levels and boosts their contribution to economic growth.
Furthermore, she stressed the importance of designating women’s education as a national policy priority, which necessitates increasing funding and financial resources allocated to this issue.
As part of the conference, a Senior Scholars Session was launched, alongside a Ministerial Session that included the participation of Ministers of Education and Higher Education from several participating countries. Additionally, a series of scientific sessions, workshops, and panel discussions were held to address various topics related to girls' education, including: Women's Education in Islam: Islamic Texts, Jurisprudential Rulings, and Scholarly Statements; Women's Education in Muslim Communities: Inspiring Examples from the Past and Present; Intellectual Misconceptions Surrounding Women's Education; Information Technology and Women's Education: Opportunities and Prospects; and Women's Empowerment and Their Civilizational Role.
The keynote address for the conference was delivered by Ms. Malala Yousafzai, the Nobel Peace Prize laureate and renowned advocate for girls' education.
Finally, the conference concluded with the issuance and adoption of the "Islamabad Declaration on Girls' Education in Muslim Communities."
