The Muslim World League's (MWL) global conference on Girls' Education in Muslim Communities concluded in Islamabad on Monday with the launch of the “Islamabad Declaration for Girls’ Education,” receiving widespread approval from senior scholars, Islamic jurisprudence councils, international organizations, and activists.
The event also saw the establishment of a platform for international partnerships, acting as the initiative's executive arm, with over 20 agreements and pledges signed by scholars, United Nations organizations, and leaders from academic, media, and civil institutions.
The announcement was attended by MWL Secretary General and Chairman of the Organization of Muslim Scholars Sheikh Dr. Mohammed Al-Issa, alongside representatives from Pakistan’s government and parliament.
The conference also featured global education activist Malala Yousafzai, senior muftis and scholars from the Islamic world, ministers of education from Islamic countries, and representatives from the United Nations University for Peace and the League of Islamic Universities.
The Islamabad Declaration drew inspiration from two landmark documents, the “Charter of Makkah” and the “Charter of Building Bridges between Islamic Schools of Thought and Sects,” both issued by MWL under the patronage of Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud.
These charters emphasize the empowerment of women in education across all levels, aligning with the goals of the MWL’s initiative.
Key partnerships formed during the conference included a memorandum of understanding between the MWL and the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) to establish a strategic alliance supporting the education of girls.
The conference also prioritized providing scholarships to Muslim girls, enhancing their leadership and problem-solving skills.
Agreements were reached between the MWL and Islamic and international universities, the League of Islamic Universities, the United Nations University for Peace, the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), and UNICEF.
In addition, the MWL partnered with international organizations to conduct research and publish reports on women's issues. Media campaigns aimed at raising awareness about girls' right to education were also launched.
The conference concluded with pledges from global academic institutions and organizations to support girls' education through scholarships, grants, and programs designed to improve access to quality education.
This initiative underscores the MWL’s commitment to empowering girls in Muslim communities and fostering international cooperation for sustainable development.
