UNESCO calls for more int’l coordinated act to promote girls’ eduction

PARIS, Sept. 26 (Xinhua) — The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) urged world leaders to further promote education of young girls around the globe to “leave no girl behind.”
Along with French President Emmanuel Macron, Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, British Prime Minister Theresa May and Norwegian Prime Minister Erna Solberg, UNESCO Director-General Audrey Azoulay “reaffirmed their political and financial commitment to undertake individual and collective action to break the barriers to girls’ education by 2030,” the Paris-based organization said in a statement released on Tuesday.
“Girls’ education is the most powerful driver for global transformation. It is also a fundamental right and a matter of human dignity,” said Azoulay.
“UNESCO can serve as a coordinating hub. We must work in synergy and on a sustained basis over time if we are to collectively deliver on our ambition,” she added.
On the sidelines of the 73rd session of the United Nations General Assembly in New York, the UN body had organized three panel discussions that underscored determination to energize efforts for the education of girls in conflict zones and crisis affected countries.
In this context, UNESCO noted the vital role of education to counter sexual and gender-based violence, forced marriage and early or unintended pregnancy.
The UN educational and scientific agency also urged the international community “to realize the commitment to provide 12 years of free quality education to all girls and boys by 2030 and the need for legislation at the national level to guarantee the right to education.”
UNESCO’s data showed 132 million girls are not in school.