Malala to be youngest UN peace envoy

• Nobel laureate to focus girls’ school education worldwide

United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has selected Nobel Peace Prize laureate Malala Yousafzai to be a UN messenger of peace, the highest honour bestowed by the UN chief on a global citizen.

UN spokesman Stephane Dujarric announced that the 19-year-old education advocate would focus worldwide attention on the need for all girls to go to school. She will be officially designated at a ceremony on Monday and then hold a conversation with Guterres and youth representatives from around the world on girls’ education, he said.

Malala became the youngest-ever Nobel laureate in 2014, when she was recognised for her advocacy of the right of all children to education. Her campaign led to an assassination attempt near her home in Swat that left her severely wounded. She went to Britain for medical treatment and now goes to school there.

“Even in the face of grave danger, Malala Yousafzai has shown an unwavering commitment to the rights of women, girls and all people,” Guterres said. “Her courageous activism for girls’ education has already energised so many people around the world,” he said in a statement.

“Now as our youngest-ever UN Messenger of Peace, Malala can do even more to help create a more just and peaceful world.” Other messengers of peace including actors Michael Douglas and Leonardo DiCaprio, primatologist Jane Goodall and musicians Daniel Barenboim and Yo-Yo Ma.

The Messengers of Peace volunteer their time, talent and passion in different fields to help focus global attention on the work of the United Nations, according to the UN. Earlier, Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau announced that Malala Yousafzai would officially receive honourary Canadian citizenship on her visit to Canada on April 12. She was bestowed honorary citizenship by the House of Commons in October 2014, in recognition of her courage in the fight for women and girls’ education.

Malala will also address the Canadian Parliament during her visit, making her the youngest person to do so. Prime Minister Trudeau will meet with Malala to discuss the empowerment of girls through education and how they might contribute to the sustainable development of their communities.

“I am pleased to announce Malala Yousafzai’s upcoming visit to Canada. Her courageous response to those who threatened her life, and her advocacy for girls’ education, has inspired many millions of people around the world. Her story is one of determination and dignity, and Canada is proud to call her an honorary citizen of this great country. I look forward to attending the upcoming ceremony and witnessing the historic moment when she becomes the youngest person to address our parliament,” he said.