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Released By:
The Hon Melissa Parke MP, Minister for International Development
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Malala Day acknowledges the 16th birthday of Malala Yousafzai, who was shot in the face while travelling on her school bus last year as retribution for her vocal advocacy of the right of girls and young women to education.
Minister for International Development, Melissa Parke, said the inaugural Malala Day represents a chance for the world to unite behind the goal of ensuring universal access to education, particularly for girls, by the end of 2015.
'Malala Day not only honours an inspirational young woman, it is also a rallying call to reconfirm our commitment to global education and step-up our efforts in that cause,' Ms Parke said.
Ms Parke paid tribute to Malala ahead of the young advocate's speech to the Youth General Assembly at the United Nations (UN), where she will demand an education for all in her first major public appearance since the shooting.
'Malala is an inspiration across the world and is a courageous advocate for universal education and girls' rights. Australia stands behind Malala, and the countless girls and boys advocating for their right to an education.'
'There are 57 million children around the world who do not attend school, and that's why education is the flagship of Australia's aid program, because we know it is the key to lifting people out of poverty, particularly for girls and women,' Ms Parke said.
'Australia has committed to helping four million more girls and boys to enrol in school by 2015-16. Indeed, in 2013-14 alone, Australia will invest more than $1.1 billion in education in developing countries.
'We will provide text books, build and upgrade class rooms and help improve teacher quality, all so that 20 million more children get a better quality education.'
To celebrate Malala Day, international youth leaders are convening at the UN and around the world to support the goal of having all children, especially girls, in school and learning by 2015.
Australia is represented at the UN youth leaders' event by Hayley McQuire, one of 15 young people from around the world who form the Youth Advocacy Group for the UN Secretary General's Global Education First Initiative, of which Australia is a champion country.
Ms McQuire, 22, is an Aboriginal, South Sea Islander Australian, studying in Canberra.
'There is no more important priority for us than education,' Ms McQuire said.
'As young people, we are committed to hold the world accountable for the promises and commitments made to ensure universal access to education.
'Malala reminds us that all young people can stand up and demand a good education.'
Media Contact: Ronald Mizen – 0409 447 025