Peng Liyuan Addresses 2026 UNESCO Prize for Girls' and Women's Education Ceremony

Ceremony Held in Paris

The 2026 UNESCO Prize for Girls' and Women's Education award ceremony took place in Paris, bringing together international leaders and advocates to honor contributions toward gender equality in education. Peng Liyuan, serving as the UNESCO Special Envoy for the Advancement of Girls' and Women's Education, participated in the event via a video address.

Commitment to Educational Equity

In her remarks, Peng Liyuan highlighted the critical importance of ensuring equal access to quality education for girls and women worldwide. She noted that education is a fundamental right and a powerful tool for social progress. Key points from her address included:

• The necessity of overcoming barriers that prevent girls from attending school.
• The role of digital technology in bridging educational gaps.
• China's ongoing dedication to supporting UNESCO initiatives aimed at fostering inclusive learning environments.

Advocacy and International Cooperation

Peng Liyuan has long been a prominent advocate for this cause. Since her appointment as a UNESCO Special Envoy, she has consistently used her platform to promote the importance of female education. During the ceremony, she expressed her hope that the prize would continue to inspire more individuals and organizations to contribute to the global cause of gender equality. She stated, 'Empowering girls and women through education is not only a moral imperative but also a catalyst for sustainable development across the globe.'

Impact of the UNESCO Prize

The UNESCO Prize for Girls' and Women's Education recognizes outstanding innovations and contributions by individuals, institutions, and organizations. By highlighting successful projects, the prize aims to scale up effective practices and encourage further investment in the education of women and girls. The 2026 edition of the ceremony reaffirmed the international community's focus on achieving the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, particularly those related to quality education and gender equality.