Malala Hopeful After Syria Conference
Last Thursday, Malala and fellow education advocate Muzoon, a Syrian refugee, spoke at the Supporting Syria conference in London to urge world leaders to commit to fund $1.4 billion USD for Syrian refugee education.
After the conference where countries and private donors pledged funding to support refugees, Malala remained optimistic that governments will deliver on their promise.
“I leave the Supporting Syria conference today with gratitude and hope. The United Kingdom, Norway, Germany and the United States heard our call and committed substantial funding to educate all children impacted by the Syrian conflict, pledging $600 million USD for 2016. This is a powerful down payment towards ensuring Syria’s children are not a generation lost,” she said.
Malala recognised donors like Qatar, Luxembourg and private sector leaders that committed significant resources for refugee education. “The EU also made a large pledge that I am confident will include substantial funding for education,” she continued.
While Malala applauded certain countries, she urged others to match their generosity. She stated, “We made so much progress toward our goal of raising the $1.4 billion USD we need to educate every Syrian child out of school — but we’re not there yet. Some countries stayed quiet today and did not reveal how much they will give.”
“To these countries, I say again: Syria’s future depends on its children and their future depends on you. Jordan, Lebanon and Turkey are ready to do what it takes to get all Syrian children back in school this year,” she continued.
Last week, Malala urged world leaders to fund education for Syrian refugees in London.
Malala vowed to stand with her friend Muzoon and not give up on the millions of people around the world who support education for all children. Malala concluded, “We are watching to make sure more countries give their fair share — and that those who pledged money today keep their word in the days ahead. Syria’s children are not a lost generation, if leaders keep their promises.”
Join Malala and Muzoon’s #NotLost campaign to support Syrian refugee education.
