Islamabad, Pakistan, January 15, 2025 – In a significant move to support the empowerment of girls in Muslim communities, the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) Union of News Agencies (UNA) has signed a memorandum of cooperation with the University of Management and Technology (UMT) in Pakistan. The ceremony took place in the presence of Sheikh Dr. Mohammed bin Abdulkarim Al-Issa, the Secretary-General of the Muslim World League (MWL) and Chairman of the Organization of Muslim Scholars. This landmark agreement aims to strengthen efforts to educate and empower girls, while raising awareness about educational opportunities and scholarships available to them across the region.
The signing occurred during the global conference titled “Educating Girls in Muslim Communities: Challenges and Opportunities,” which was hosted by the Pakistani government and organized by the MWL in Islamabad. The event saw broad participation from regional and international organizations, highlighting the global commitment to addressing the educational needs of girls in Muslim-majority countries.
Under the terms of the memorandum, UNA and UMT will collaborate on initiatives designed to promote the education of girls, with a focus on creating more opportunities and support systems for young women. The partnership aims to provide valuable resources, such as information on scholarships and educational programs, to help girls in Muslim communities pursue higher education and improve their life prospects. Additionally, the memorandum seeks to raise awareness about the challenges that girls face in accessing education and advocate for the removal of barriers that hinder their academic achievements.
Sheikh Dr. Al-Issa, in his remarks during the ceremony, commended the initiative as an essential step toward fostering positive change for girls in Muslim societies. He stressed that access to quality education for girls is a fundamental right and a key component of social and economic progress. Dr. Al-Issa further emphasized that the partnership between UNA and UMT would not only benefit the academic growth of girls but also contribute to their broader empowerment, enabling them to become active contributors to their communities and economies.
The cooperation between UNA and UMT reflects a shared vision for enhancing the educational opportunities for girls and empowering them to overcome the systemic challenges they face in many parts of the Muslim world. It also aligns with the broader goals of the OIC and MWL to promote social justice and equality across the region. Through this memorandum, the two organizations seek to harness their collective resources and networks to drive forward the important cause of girls’ education.
The global conference in Islamabad provided a vital platform for dialogue on the challenges and opportunities surrounding girls’ education in Muslim communities. The collaboration between UNA and UMT, along with the support of MWL and other participating organizations, signals a renewed commitment to advancing educational equality and empowering young girls to achieve their full potential. As the memorandum moves forward, it is expected to foster further initiatives that will help break down barriers to education and open up new pathways for girls across the Muslim world.