Coalition hosts Girls Education Event with Foreign Secretary Boris Johnson for CHOGM 2018
We were proud this week to host a reception in Parliament with the Foreign Minister Boris Johnson MP and Australian Minister for Foreign Affairs Julie Bishop MP.
The event, co-hosted with Global Citizen and titled 'Girls in Emergencies' brought together leaders in the aid sector, Parliamentarians and education activists to discuss how the UK and the Commonwealth are empowering girls in times of crisis.
From left to right: Europe Director of Global Citizen Amy Agnew, Singer and Eurovision finalist Christabelle Borg, The Foreign Secretary Boris Johnson MP, Australian Minister for Foreign Affairs Julie Bishop MP and Founder & Chief Executive CEO Theo Clarke
Speaking at the event, Mr Johnson described the lack of access to education and and opportunities for girls worldwide as "sheer global sexism".
The Foreign Secretary has highlighted girls education as one of his top priorities in Government. Watch the Foreign Office's video here (below).
During her speech, Ms Bishop emphasised the importance of the partnerships between Commonwealth countries, saying at the event "When the Commonwealth acts collaboratively, we can make change globally".
In times of crisis, it is all too easy to only consider short-term needs. But long term prosperity and safety depend on educating and empowering the next generation.
Muzoon Almellehan is a prime example of this, an inspiring young Syrian woman and UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador who is campaigning to educate girls. Speaking on Tuesday at the event, Muzoon said "Education is the thing that gives them (girls) hope to rebuild their countries".
UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador and Education Campaigner Muzoon Almellehan speaking at the event
The UK, working with our Commonwealth partners, has a proud role to play in supporting girls and young women around the world to realise their potential and lift themselves out of poverty.
