Senior Pakistani officials met with Saudi Arabia’s Ambassador Nawaf bin Said Al-Malki to discuss the upcoming global conference on girls’ education, set to take place in Islamabad later this year, according to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Pakistan will collaborate with the Muslim World League (MWL) to host the conference in September. The three-day event aims to devise strategies for better resource allocation to promote girls’ education globally.
The Malala Fund reports that 12 million girls in Pakistan are out of school, with only 13 percent advancing to grade IX. Social norms like gender stereotypes and a preference for boys’ education hinder girls’ access to education.
Ambassador Malki met with Pakistan’s Deputy Prime Minister to discuss the positive relations between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia. The meeting also covered cooperation in education, trade, and investment.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated that the Secretary of Education briefed attendees on the forthcoming conference, emphasizing the shared commitment to strengthening bilateral ties.
According to Radio Pakistan, the conference will feature international and national dignitaries, including education ministers from various Islamic countries, scholars, experts, policymakers, and stakeholders. They will discuss and develop solutions to the challenges faced by girls in the education sector, sharing their expertise and best practices.