Islamabad is set to host an international summit from January 11 to 12, 2025, bringing together over 150 dignitaries from 44 Muslim and friendly nations for an impactful conference on advancing girls’ education within Muslim communities.
The event, held under the theme “Girls’ Education in Muslim Communities: Challenges and Opportunities,” will bring together global leaders, policymakers, and education experts to address key issues surrounding the education of girls in Muslim-majority societies.
The summit, organized by Pakistan’s Ministry of Federal Education and Professional Training, in collaboration with Raabta Aalmi Islami (Muslim World League), will bring together more than 150 international dignitaries, including education ministers, ambassadors, and scholars.
Key international organizations such as UNESCO, UNICEF, and the World Bank will also participate, sharing their experiences and initiatives that have successfully advanced girls’ education in various contexts.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif will inaugurate the event, delivering a keynote address that reaffirms Pakistan’s commitment to promoting girls’ education and gender equality.
Pakistan’s Ministry of Education emphasized the significance of the event in addressing the pressing challenges faced by girls in accessing education, especially in underprivileged or conflict-stricken areas. Over 56 delegates from 29 Islamic countries will join the summit, where they will collaborate on initiatives to raise awareness about women’s empowerment and uphold girls’ rights to education.
Nobel Laureate Malala Yousafzai is expected to address the international conference on girls’ education in Muslim communities. Media reports suggest that Malala is likely to travel to Pakistan for the summit. This would be her third visit to Pakistan since she was flown to Britain for life-saving treatment in October 2012.
Key Themes of the Conference
The global summit will focus on a wide range of critical themes, aiming to generate actionable solutions and foster collaborations to enhance girls’ education globally. These themes include:
- Women’s Education from an Islamic Perspective
This theme will explore the Islamic perspective on women’s education, emphasizing that it is a fundamental right and duty, supported by Sharia sources. The discussion will reaffirm the importance of providing education to women and girls as an integral part of Islamic teachings, encouraging further investment in educational reforms within the Muslim world. - Girls’ Education: Obstacles and Solutions
Addressing the significant barriers to girls’ education, this theme will identify the challenges impeding access to education, such as cultural norms, economic constraints, and political instability. Solutions and best practices will be discussed, focusing on practical strategies to overcome these obstacles and ensure that girls have equal access to quality education. - Girls’ Education in International Charters
This theme will examine how the majority Islamic consensus aligns with international charters advocating for girls’ education, such as the Charter of Makkah and the Charter of Building Bridges Between Islamic Schools of Thought. The conference will explore how these frameworks, endorsed by senior Muslim scholars, can be leveraged to challenge opposition to girls’ education and promote moderated interpretations of Islamic teachings that recognize girls’ right to learn. - Information Technology and Girls’ Education: Opportunities and Prospects
The digital revolution presents both opportunities and challenges for girls’ education. This theme will explore how information technology can be harnessed to overcome barriers to girls’ education, especially in rural or conflict-affected areas. The use of digital tools for learning and educational resources will be highlighted as a way to improve both the quality and accessibility of education for girls. - The Role of Women in Peacemaking
This theme will highlight the significant roles women play in fostering peace and moderation within their communities. It will explore how the education of girls can contribute to positive social change, bridge cultural and religious divides, and promote peaceful coexistence. The summit will also address the unique challenges and opportunities women face in the current global context, reinforcing their pivotal role in conflict resolution and peacemaking efforts.
The conference will conclude with the signing of the Islamabad Declaration, a historic agreement that outlines the collective commitment of participating countries to empower girls through education. The declaration will pave the way for inclusive and sustainable educational reforms and set the stage for future collaborations between Muslim-majority countries to promote educational equity for girls.
This summit is a crucial moment in the global movement for girls’ education, particularly in Muslim communities, where educational access remains limited for many young girls. The event will not only shine a spotlight on the obstacles preventing girls from pursuing their dreams but also highlight the transformative power of education in creating a brighter, more equitable future for all.