Malala Yousafzai, the 16 year-old education activist from Pakistan, who made a remarkable recovery after an attempted assassination by the Taliban, has been confirmed as the headline speaker for World Merit Day.

World Merit Day

The ‘World Merit Day ‘‘What Matters?’’ Conference and Concert’ takes place in Liverpool on 24th July. With an aim to challenge young people to think about “What Matters?” to their generation, World Merit is delighted to announce Malala as the headline keynote speaker.

Malala’s story

In October 2012, the then 15-year-old Malala was shot by the Taliban while travelling home from school on the bus with her friends.

Following the attack, Malala was flown to Birmingham to receive treatment at the specialist Queen Elizabeth hospital, and by March 2013 she had made a remarkable recovery and was well enough to return to school.

Now living in Birmingham with her family, Malala continues to campaign for the right of every child to go to school. Since the attack, she has become internationally known for her courage in refusing to be silenced and continuing her fight for the right of everyone to receive an education.

On her 16th birthday Malala was invited to speak at the United Nations and was quoted in her speech saying:

“They thought that the bullet would silence us, but they failed. Weakness, fear and hopelessness died. Strength, power and courage was born.”

Malala has gained international recognition for being a peaceful activist and her powerful message is expected to be the most highly anticipated keynote speech at the World Merit Day ‘What Matters?’ conference.

Speaking about Malala, World Merit CEO Chris Arnold said:

“Malala’s enduring strength and courage to stand up for what she believes in, is such a powerful message. World Merit aims to connect like-minded individuals and be a global force for good. Securing Malala at World Merit Day will help the young people attending to build context and aspirations for their own life. Her voice will help more people find their own. World Merit Day and Malala will inspire positive change in local and global communities.”

Malala’s bravery and unwavering dedication to her cause has seen her honoured throughout the world, including being named as one of ‘The 100 Most Influential People in the World’ in 2013 by Time magazine. She is also the winner of Pakistan’s first National Youth Peace Prize.

Other speakers

Joining Malala for the ‘What Matters?’ conference in Liverpool this summer, will be a packed programme of keynote speakers including activist and TV presenter Katie Piper, former CEO of Amnesty International Jack Healey and chair of the Hillsborough Family Support Group Margaret Aspinall.

Tickets

World Merit Day takes place at the BT Convention Centre on Thursday 24th July. Tickets for World Merit Day’s 14 hours of debate, workshops, mentoring, speeches and entertainment are priced at £29 and go on sale on Thursday 12th June. Tickets can be purchased from the Echo Arena website www.echoarena.com

For further information and the full programme of planned events, seminars, workshops, speeches and the concert please go to www.worldmerit.org