One Child, One Teacher, One Book, One Pen
Malala's inspiring UN speech on her 16th birthday, advocating for education rights after surviving a Taliban assassination attempt
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One Child, One Teacher, One Book, One Pen Can Change the World
Delivered: July 12, 2013, United Nations Youth Assembly, New York
Introduction
In the name of God, the most beneficent, the most merciful.
Honorable UN Secretary General Mr. Ban Ki-moon, respected president of the General Assembly Vuk Jeremic, honorable UN envoy for global education Mr. Gordon Brown, respected elders and my dear brothers and sisters: Assalamu alaikum.
Today is it an honor for me to be speaking again after a long time. Being here with such honorable people is a great moment in my life and it is an honor for me that today I am wearing a shawl of the late Benazir Bhutto. I don't know where to begin my speech. I don't know what people would be expecting me to say, but first of all thank you to God for whom we all are equal and thank you to every person who has prayed for my fast recovery and new life.
The Power of Education
Dear brothers and sisters, do remember one thing: Malala Day is not my day. Today is the day of every woman, every boy and every girl who have raised their voice for their rights.
There are hundreds of human rights activists and social workers who are not only speaking for their rights, but who are struggling to achieve their goal of peace, education and equality. Thousands of people have been killed by the terrorists and millions have been injured. I am just one of them. So here I stand. So here I stand, one girl, among many. I speak not for myself, but so those without a voice can be heard. Those who have fought for their rights. Their right to live in peace. Their right to be treated with dignity. Their right to equality of opportunity. Their right to be educated.
We Want Education
Dear friends, on 9 October 2012, the Taliban shot me on the left side of my forehead. They shot my friends, too. They thought that the bullets would silence us, but they failed. And out of that silence came thousands of voices. The terrorists thought they would change my aims and stop my ambitions. But nothing changed in my life except this: weakness, fear and hopelessness died. Strength, power and courage was born.
I am the same Malala. My ambitions are the same. My hopes are the same. And my dreams are the same.
Dear sisters and brothers, I am not against anyone. Neither am I here to speak in terms of personal revenge against the Taliban or any other terrorist group. I am here to speak for the right of education for every child. I want education for the sons and daughters of the Taliban and all the terrorists and extremists.
One Child, One Teacher, One Book, One Pen
Dear sisters and brothers, we realize the importance of light when we see darkness. We realize the importance of our voice when we are silenced. In the same way, when we were in Swat, the north of Pakistan, we realized the importance of pens and books when we saw the guns.
The wise saying, "The pen is mightier than the sword." It is true. The extremists are afraid of books and pens. The power of education frightens them. They are afraid of women. The power of the voice of women frightens them.
This is why they killed 14 innocent students in the recent attack in Quetta. And that is why they kill female teachers. That is why they are blasting schools every day because they were and they are afraid of change and equality that we will bring to our society. And I remember that there was a boy in our school who was asked by a journalist why are the Taliban against education? He answered very simply by pointing to his book, he said, "a Taliban doesn't know what is written inside this book."
Let Us Pick Up Our Books and Pens
So let us wage, so let us wage a glorious struggle against illiteracy, poverty and terrorism, let us pick up our books and our pens, they are the most powerful weapons. One child, one teacher, one book and one pen can change the world. Education is the only solution. Education first. Thank you.
Speech Analysis
Historical Context: Delivered on Malala's 16th birthday, just nine months after being shot by the Taliban for advocating girls' education. This was her first major public appearance after the attack.
Key Techniques:
- Personal Narrative: Transforms personal tragedy into universal message
- Inclusive Language: "We" and "our" create solidarity
- Repetition: "One child, one teacher, one book, one pen"
- Contrast: Guns vs. books, violence vs. education
- Forgiveness: "Not against anyone" shows moral strength
- Call to Action: Clear, actionable message
Impact: The speech catapulted Malala to global prominence and helped establish education as a fundamental human right. She became the youngest Nobel Peace Prize laureate at age 17.
Lessons for Speakers:
- Turn adversity into advocacy - Use personal experience powerfully
- Speak for others, not just yourself - Amplify unheard voices
- Forgiveness is powerful - Rising above hatred inspires
- Simple messages resonate - "One child, one teacher..."
- Youth can lead - Age doesn't limit impact
- Courage inspires courage - Bravery is contagious
Modern Applications:
- Advocating for causes despite opposition
- Speaking truth to power as a young person
- Transforming personal pain into purpose
- Building movements through storytelling
- Maintaining hope in difficult circumstances
Legacy: Malala's speech helped launch a global movement for girls' education. The Malala Fund has helped millions of girls access education worldwide. Her message continues to inspire youth activism globally.
Key Quotes
"One child, one teacher, one book, one pen can change the world."
"The pen is mightier than the sword."
"Let us pick up our books and our pens, they are the most powerful weapons."
"I am not against anyone. Neither am I here to speak in terms of personal revenge."
"Education is the only solution. Education first."