UN Foundation President and CEO Kathy Calvin: Malala Yousafzai and Kailash Satyarthi are Messengers of Hope

Today the Norwegian Nobel Committee announced that it has awarded the Nobel Peace Prize for 2014 to Kailash Satyarthi and Malala Yousafzai “for their struggle against the suppression of children and young people and for the right of all children to education.” United Nations Foundation President and CEO Kathy Calvin congratulated the winners and highlighted the importance of their work:

“Congratulations to Malala Yousafzai and Kailash Satyarthi for receiving this extraordinary honor in recognition of their extraordinary efforts to promote the rights and education of children around the world.

“To end poverty, intolerance, violence, and extremism, there is no greater force than education. This award sends a powerful message that empowering and educating children, including girls, must be a top priority for the global community.

“Malala Yousafzai and Kailash Satyarthi have been at the forefront of this movement. Malala Yousafzai embodies courage: In the face of grave danger, she has championed girls’ education and inspired the world to her cause. Kailash Satyarthi has been a passionate and effective advocate and leader for ending the exploitation of children and opening the doors of education. Both awardees have been important partners of the United Nations’ work to ensure education for all children.

“It is fitting that this award comes as the world recognizes International Day of the Girl tomorrow. Malala, the youngest Nobel Peace Prize winner ever, is an example of the power of girls to change their communities and the world. Today all of us have the opportunity and the obligation to stand up for their rights.

“In a world filled with challenges and crises, Malala Yousafzai and Kailash Satyarthi are messengers of hope. They remind us that anyone can be a changemaker, and we can all play a role in building a better world.”

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About The United Nations Foundation

The United Nations Foundation builds public-private partnerships to address the world’s most pressing problems, and broadens support for the United Nations through advocacy and public outreach. Through innovative campaigns and initiatives, the Foundation connects people, ideas, and resources to help the UN solve global problems. The Foundation was created in 1998 as a U.S. public charity by entrepreneur and philanthropist Ted Turner and now is supported by global corporations, foundations, governments, and individuals. For more information, visit www.unfoundation.org .