Under the Patronage of the Pakistani Prime Minister, the Muslim World League Launches an Initiative to Educate Girls in Muslim Societies from Islamabad
Under the Patronage of the Pakistani Prime Minister, the Muslim World League Launches an Initiative to Educate Girls in Muslim Societies from Islamabad
Sharif: We Value the MWL’s Strong Commitment to Education Cause and its Leadership of This Crucial Initiative
Dr. Al-Issa: The Initiative Will Be More Than Just a "Temporary Call," "A Void Announcement," or a Mere Expression of Stance—It will Represent a Significant Shift in Advancing Girls' Education
Taha: The OIC is Committed to Supporting the Girls' Education Initiative and Ensuring Its Success
Under the patronage of His Excellency the Prime Minister of Pakistan, Mr. Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif, the Muslim World League (MWL), represented by its Secretary General and Chairman of the Organization of Muslim Scholars, His Eminence Sheikh Dr. Muhammad bin Abdulkarim Al-Issa, launched its international initiative to "The International Conference on Girls' Education in Muslim Communities: Challenges and Opportunities" on Saturday in Islamabad, Pakistan. The initiative is sponsored and supported by the Pakistani government.
The Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) participated in the conference marking the launch of the Muslim World League’s initiative, with its Secretary General, Mr. Hussein Ibrahim Taha, in attendance. The event was also graced by a number of distinguished guests and influential institutions, including muftis from across the Islamic world, members of various scholarly councils and bodies, the MWL Islamic Fiqh Council, the OIC International Islamic Fiqh Academy, senior officials from education and higher education sectors, as well as the presidency and Secretariat General of the League of Islamic Universities.
The initiative aims to raise awareness across all Muslim societies about the importance of girls' education through various strategies, joint programs, and supportive agreements. Its message and awareness goals are directed at Muslim communities within and outside the Islamic world, targeting individuals as well as public and private institutions.
A key component of the initiative is the "Islamabad Declaration on Girls' Education," which will be issued by conference attendees. This declaration will be presented to international governmental and non-governmental organizations, as well as public and private institutions, with a call to establish an international day dedicated to its main objectives.
The initiative also includes the launch of the International Partnerships Platform, which will facilitate the signing of several agreements between regional and international organizations focused on women's empowerment, girls' right to education, and the implementation of practical initiatives in this area.
Dr. Al-Issa emphasized that this initiative is distinguished by its potential for "effective" and "tangible impact" through the significant agreements that will be signed. He clarified that it will not be a "Temporary Call," " A Void Announcement," or a “Mere Expression of Stance” but rather a transformative step toward advocating girls' education, which will surely please every girl who has been deprived of an education and every society in dire need of the contributions of its younger generations.
Dr. Al-Issa emphasized that the Islamabad Declaration on Girls' Education will solidify the initiative with a strong, determined commitment, backed by a comprehensive and logical rationale that is both religious and practical in nature.
The Prime Minister of Pakistan, Mr. Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif, expressed his gratitude to the MWL for its unwavering dedication to the cause of education and for spearheading this important initiative. He highlighted that ensuring equal access to education for girls is one of the most urgent challenges at present.
His Excellency Mr. Hussein Ibrahim Taha, Secretary-General of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), affirmed the OIC's readiness to support the girls' education initiative and work toward its success, benefiting all girls in the Islamic world. He praised the MWL’s efforts under the leadership of Sheikh Dr. Muhammad bin Abdul Karim Al-Issa, in advancing the interests of the Islamic world and its causes.
Taha stressed that girls' education is both a fundamental right and a critical necessity for achieving development. He noted that Islam advocates for the pursuit of knowledge for all, without discrimination, and emphasized that the empowerment of women is one of the OIC’s top priorities.
Meanwhile, Dr. Khalid Maqbool Siddiqui, Pakistan's Federal Minister of Education and Professional Training, underlined that today marked a shared vision for empowering women through education. He reiterated that education is not a privilege, but a basic human right.
He emphasized that Islam clearly stipulates that education is a right for all, pointing out that the core issue lies in the misinterpretation of religion, which we are gathered today to address and correct.
Retired three-star general Dr. Nigar Johar Khan, the first Pakistani woman to get promoted to the rank of Lieutenant General in the Pakistan Army, shared her personal experience with education. She highlighted that educating women strengthens their role in decision-making at various levels as well as in economic growth.
Dr. Johar Khan stressed the importance of prioritizing women's education in national policies, calling for increased funding and financial resources to support this crucial issue.
As part of the initiative's launch conference, a "Senior Scholars Session" and a ministerial session will be held, featuring the participation of Ministers of Education and Higher Education from several participating countries. In addition, various scientific sessions, workshops, and panel discussions will address key topics related to girls' education, including: Women’s education in Islam: "religious texts, jurisprudential rulings, and scholarly opinions", Women’s education in Muslim societies: "Bright models from the past and present", Addressing intellectual doubts surrounding women's education, Information technology and its role in women’s education: Opportunities and prospects, Women's empowerment and their civilizational role.
The keynote lecture will be delivered by Ms. Malala Yousafzai, a renowned girls' education activist and Nobel Peace Prize laureate.
At the conclusion of the conference, the "Islamabad Declaration for the Education of Girls in Muslim Societies" is expected to be promulgated and adopted.
