"This
Saturday (November 10th) will see Malala Day, a global event to show
the world that people of all creeds; all sexes, all backgrounds and all
countries stand behind Malala," Brown said.
"We
are Malala - This is Malala day. The world to walk in the footsteps of
this girl of courage. Malala Yousafzai has become a global icon of hope,
an international symbol of courage, a schoolgirl who has won the hearts
of millions through her bravery.
"Malala's
dream is a Pakistan where she, her friends and future generations of
girls could attend school, walk freely into a classroom, learn and reach
their full potential." The UN chief said citizens from across the globe
are speaking out for Yousafzai and on behalf of the 61 million children
who do not go to school.
"I
am adding my voice to the messages from over one million people across
the globe. Education is a fundamental human right. It is a pathway to
development, tolerance and global citizenship," Ban said in a brief
video message posted on the UN website.
He
called the international community to join the UN campaign to put
education first "for Malala and girls and boys throughout the world".
Events
have been planned in over 100 countries, from the UK and USA to Mexico,
India, Australia and Sierra Leone to mark the day.
In
the UK where there is a host of local events, the most poignant event
will take place in Lozells, Birminghamonly a few miles away from
Malala's hospital.
Baroness
Sayeeda Warsi, Britain's Senior Minister of State at the Foreign Office
and Minister for faith and communities, hailed Malala Yousufzai's
inspirational activism ahead of Malala Day today.
Baroness
Warsi said "Through her inspirational activism Malala has bravely
highlighted the need for education to be accessible to all children in
Pakistan.
"Education
is the single most important factor that can transform Pakistan's
future." Thousands of people from across the world have signed a global
petition calling for her to be awarded the Nobel Peace Prize.
Malala
is recovering in a British hospital from gunshot wounds and has
received messages of support for her cause from global leaders,
including US President Barack Obama.
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