Malala Yousafzai Addresses United Nations [Video]

Malala Yousafzai is addressing the United Nations today. The 16-year-old survived a gunshot to the head by the Taliban last year. She was reportedly targeted for her campaign promoting education for girls.

As reported by NBC News, Malala will speak before the Youth Assembly, which is comprised of more than 500 “young leaders.” Her speech is focused on the importance of education for all children worldwide.

Malala began her campaign in 2009, releasing her personal account of life under Taliban rule. Unfortunately, it was a brutal attack in October 2012 that brought national attention to her efforts.

As reported by BBC, 15-year-old Malala was on her way to school when the bus was stopped by militants. One of the men boarded the school bus and opened fire. Malala and two of her friends were injured in the assault.

Malala Yousafzai was shot in the head and neck. She spent three months in the hospital, undergoing numerous operations. Following the completion of a rehabilitation program, she was discharged in January 2013.

As reported by CBS News, Malala’s United Nations speech will be her first public address following her injury. Malala is expected to present a petition to Secretary-General Ban Ki-Moon during her appearance.

The petition, which contains over 3 million signatures, requests cooperation with the United Nations‘ Millennium Goal to provide education to all children by 2015.

Malala’s efforts are fully supported by Ki-moon:

“Education is the pathway to saving lives, building peace and empowering young people; That is the lesson that Malala and millions like her are seeking to teach the world.”

In a previous conversation with Ki-moon, Malala stressed the importance of working together to achieve common goals of peace, happiness, and human rights. She explained that her association with the United Nations has been an “honor” as she wishes “to serve this whole world.”

Malala Yousafzai, who turns 16 today, hopes that her address will inspire other youths to speak out against inequality and work toward a better future.

Live Feed Of Conference:

[Image via yudaenaccion.org]