Education the only solution, says teen shot by Taliban

Malala Yousafzai — the Pakistani teenager shot by the Taliban for promoting education for girls — celebrated her 16th birthday by demanding world leaders provide free compulsory schooling for every child.

In her first public speech from the podium at the UN to more than 1,000 youth leaders from over 100 countries, she called for “a global struggle against illiteracy, poverty and terrorism”.

“Let us pick up our books and our pens. They are our most powerful weapons,” Malala said. “One child, one teacher, one book, and one pen can change the world. Education is the only solution. Education first.”