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DELEGATION TO

PRESS RELEASE

Subject: European Union organises an event celebrating the awarded to Malala Yousafzai by the

20 November, 2013, : The European Parliament awarded the Sakharov Prize for Freedom of Thought 2013 to Malala Yousafzai, the young educational activist from Swat. As the Award Ceremony takes place in Strasburg, France, the EU Delegation to Pakistan organised an event in Islamabad to celebrate this under the slogan of 'Education for All'. The Award Ceremony was screened live during the event. Students from schools in and around Islamabad attended the programme as well as diplomats, parliamentarians and members of civil society.

The Sakharov Prize for Freedom of Thought, named after Soviet scientist and dissident , was established in December 1988 by the European Parliament to honour individuals or organisations who dedicate their lives to the defence of and freedom, particularly the right to free expression. The inspiring list of recipients includes renowned global personalities like , and .

Malala, 16, a student from Swat, was shot by for campaigning for female rights and education. She gave her first public speech in September 2008 entitled "How dare the Taliban take away my basic right to an education?". Malala's achievement is a source of encouragement and hope for the youth of Pakistan.

Speaking at the occasion, Deputy Head of the EU Delegation to Pakistan, Mr Pierre Mayaudon, said: "Today, it's all about courage, education and resilience" and "At the age of 16 Malala has already done so much for the cause of education. Her future belongs to her and her family."

Former Ambassador and Minister and Executive President of the Jinnah Institute, Ms Sherry Rehman, was invited as the Chief Guest.

A Panel discussion on "Education for all" chaired by Ms Sherry Rehman also took place in the presence of Ms Ayesha Wazir, member of National Assembly from FATA, Mr Ali Moeen Nawazish, renowned educational activist, and Mr Afzal Latif, Secretary for Education, .

At the end of the ceremony, students released balloons in the sky to convey their good wishes for Malala.

House No. 9, Street 88, Sector G-6/3, P.O.Box 1608, Islamabad, Ph: +92-51-227-1828 Fax: 282-2604 Email: [email protected] URL: http://eeas.europa.eu/delegations/pakistan

For further information, please contact

Syed Khawar Hussain Press and Information Section Delegation of the European Union to Pakistan Phone: +92-51-227 18 28 Fax: +92-51-282 26 04 Email: [email protected] Web site: www.delpak.ec.europa.eu : EUDelPakistan