CM urges global leaders to unite for girls’ education and place humanity at the heart of diplomacy
Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz took center stage at the Antalya Diplomacy Forum 2025, delivering a compelling address focused on education reforms, women’s empowerment, and international solidarity.
Welcomed warmly by Turkish First Lady Emine Erdoğan, Maryam Nawaz was met with an enthusiastic response from global dignitaries and attendees. She participated in a high-profile session titled “The Revolutionary Power of Education”, where she shared the platform exclusively with Emine Erdoğan.
A Call for Inclusive Progress
“It is an honour to address this forum, which brings together leaders who not only dream of a better world but strive to make it a reality,” Maryam Nawaz began. “No society can move forward without investing in the wellbeing of its women and children.”
She urged the global community to adopt a “diplomacy of dignity”—a foreign policy approach rooted in compassion, collaboration, and a shared commitment to uplifting vulnerable populations.
Transforming Education in Punjab
Maryam Nawaz spotlighted key reforms introduced since assuming office in March 2024, building on the vision of former prime ministers Nawaz Sharif and Shehbaz Sharif. Major milestones include:
- Upgrading over 4,000 primary schools across Punjab
- Equipping 6,000 schools with digital classrooms featuring touchscreen technology
- Reviving non-functional schools as vibrant educational hubs
- Disbursing 50,000 Prosperous Scholarships to support underprivileged students
- Introducing free milk programs to combat child malnutrition
- Recruiting 30,000 teachers on merit to enhance educational quality
- Launching AI-based learning platforms to future-proof the next generation
- Establishing Pakistan’s first AI University in Lahore
- Launching the Nawaz Sharif Internet City, a flagship initiative for a Digital Pakistan
She also shared stories of children like Nada from Kasur and Ikram from South Punjab, whose lives have been transformed by these initiatives.
A Plea for Global Solidarity
Turning attention to global crises, Maryam Nawaz made an emotional appeal for children suffering in conflict zones:
“Innocent children lie buried beneath rubble in Palestine. Girls in Afghanistan are denied the right to education. Children in Kashmir face violence, while those in Sudan walk miles just to find food. These are not isolated tragedies—they demand a unified, human response.”
She called on the international community to stand together for girls’ education—from Morocco to Multan, and Delhi to Dhaka—urging universities in Turkiye to collaborate with institutions in Punjab.
Maryam concluded her speech with a heartfelt message in Turkish, expressing gratitude for the hospitality she received.
Strengthening Pakistan-Turkiye Ties
During her visit, the Chief Minister held meetings with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan and First Lady Emine Erdoğan. President Erdoğan inquired about the health of Nawaz Sharif, expressing hope to meet him soon, saying, “God willing, we will meet Nawaz Sharif soon.”
The Turkish leadership praised Maryam Nawaz’s efforts to deepen the longstanding bond between the two nations. Later, she accompanied Emine Erdoğan to a cultural exhibit, symbolizing the rich heritage and brotherhood shared by Pakistan and Turkiye.
“Pakistan and Turkiye may be two nations, but our hearts beat as one,” Maryam Nawaz declared. “This connection is not just political—it’s a bond of the heart that will continue to grow for generations.”
