Islamabad, Pakistan, January 15, 2025 – The Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) Union of News Agencies (UNA) has expressed strong support for the outcomes of the international conference on the Muslim World League’s (MWL) Initiative for Girls’ Education in Muslim Communities, which recently concluded in Islamabad. The event, which drew high-level participation from ministers, scholars, officials, and diplomats, also saw significant engagement from a wide range of regional and international organizations. The conference provided a crucial platform for dialogue on one of the most pressing issues facing the Muslim world today—the education of girls—and set the stage for ongoing efforts to address the barriers girls face in accessing education.
UNA Director General Mohammad bin Abdulrahman Al-Yami highlighted the historic significance of the “Islamabad Declaration on Girls’ Education,” which was issued by the conference and received unanimous approval from leading scholars, prominent Islamic jurisprudence bodies, government representatives, international organizations, and global activists. The declaration serves as a comprehensive blueprint for advancing girls' education across the Muslim world, advocating for the removal of all hindrances to their right to education. This declaration also underscores the commitment of the global Muslim community to ensure that girls have access to quality education, in line with the principles of Islam, which emphasizes the importance of education for both men and women.
In his remarks, Al-Yami also praised the role of the MWL, under the leadership of Secretary-General Sheikh Dr. Mohammed bin Abdulkarim Al-Issa, in championing the cause of girls' education. He stressed that the MWL’s efforts not only serve to address educational gaps but also work to enhance the global image of Islam by reaffirming its position on girls’ rights. The conference served as a platform to highlight the correct Islamic stance on girls’ education, ensuring that this right is exercised without any restrictive conditions or cultural barriers. Al-Yami reiterated the importance of continuing to support this initiative, which aligns with broader OIC efforts to promote social justice, equality, and the empowerment of women and girls in Muslim societies.
UNA’s commitment to this vital cause was further underscored during the conference, as it signed several memoranda of cooperation aimed at supporting the education of girls through strategic media campaigns and knowledge-based training. One of the key agreements was signed with the MWL, while another was made with the University of Management and Technology (UMT) in Pakistan. These partnerships will enhance media efforts to raise awareness about the opportunities available for girls and the importance of their education, as well as provide them with the skills and resources needed to thrive in their educational pursuits.
The UNA, with its extensive network of news agencies across the Muslim world, plays a pivotal role in shaping public discourse and influencing policy. Through its media campaigns, UNA will work to amplify the messages and objectives of the girls’ education initiative, ensuring that it reaches a wider audience and garners the necessary support from governments, institutions, and civil society.
The conference, and the resulting declaration and agreements, represent a collective effort to address one of the most significant challenges facing Muslim communities globally. By committing to the education and empowerment of girls, these initiatives aim to create a more just and equitable future for young women, while contributing to the broader goals of sustainable development, peace, and prosperity across the Muslim world.
As the global community continues to push for improvements in girls’ education, the outcomes of this conference are expected to serve as a cornerstone for future efforts, bringing together diverse stakeholders to work toward a shared vision of progress and equality for girls in Muslim communities.