Malala Yousafzai's Nobel Prize Speech Notes

Introduction

• Opening Statement: Bismillah hir rahman ir rahim (In the name of God, the most merciful, the most beneficent).
• Gratitude: Thankful to the Nobel Committee and everyone for their support, letters, and love.
• Personal Acknowledgements: Special thanks to parents and teachers for their inspiration and support.

Personal Achievements

• Firsts: First Pashtun, first Pakistani, and youngest Nobel laureate.
• Humorous Note: Still has sibling squabbles despite receiving the award.
• Collaboration: Honored to share the award with Kailash Satyarthi, a long-time advocate for children's rights.

The Cause

• Inspiration: Named after Malalai of Maiwand, a symbol of courage.
• Purpose of the Award: Represents the fight for children's education and rights.
• Call to Action: Instead of pity, it's time to take action for the 66 million girls deprived of education.

Personal Story and Struggles

• Background: Loved learning in Swat, but the region changed due to terrorism.
• Adversity: Many schools destroyed, girls barred from education.
• Choice to Speak Up: Chose to advocate for rights over silence, inspired by teachings from Islam.

Voice for the Voiceless

• Survivor’s Responsibility: Her experience isn't unique; many girls face similar challenges.
• Collective Voice: Represents many girls, including those shot and those who survived violence.
• Empathy: Shares stories of bravery from girls in various countries (Pakistan, Nigeria, Syria).

Importance of Education

• Education as a Necessity: Emphasizes education as a blessing and fundamental right.
• Empowerment through Education: Highlights how education empowers girls and offers them opportunities.

Global Issues

• Ongoing Struggles: Discusses war, poverty, injustice, and refugees suffering in various regions.
• Child Rights Violations: Addresses child marriage, child labor, and lack of education in many countries.

Commitment to Change

• Nobel Prize Money: Dedicated to the Malala Fund to support girls' education globally.
• Focus on Pakistan: Plans to build schools in Swat and Shangla for girls.
• Long-term Vision: Aims for every child to have access to quality education.

Call to Action for Leaders

• Global Goals: Reference to Millennium Development Goals and upcoming Sustainable Development Goals.
• Demand for Quality Education: Calls for free, quality education for all children, not just basic literacy.
• Critique of Global Priorities: Questions why powerful nations invest in war instead of education.

Conclusion

• Collective Responsibility: Everyone, not just leaders, must contribute to change.
• Hope for the Future: Encourages all to work together to end educational disparities.
• Final Call: Let this be the last generation to see children deprived of education and let’s begin this change together.