'Malala Day': Pakistan's Malala Yousafzai reveals most powerful weapons'-Tells youth at UN to stand up for universal education

Malala Yousafzai, the 16-year-old Pakistani advocate for girls education who was shot in the head by the Taliban, signs the United Nations guest book while attending United Nations Youth Assembly on July 12, 2013 in New York City. The United Nations declared July 12 "Malala Day." Yousafzai also celebrates her birthday today. (AFP)

Malala Yousafzai, the Pakistani schoolgirl who was shot by the Taliban for attending classes, has addressed hundreds of young people at the United Nations, urging them to use education as a weapon against extremism.

"Let us pick up our books and our pens. They are our most powerful weapons. One teacher, one book, one pen, can change the world,” Yousafzai said, in an impassioned address to the UN Youth Assembly.

 United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon has dubbed today – Ms. Yousafzai’s 16th birthday – ‘Malala Day’ in honour of her heroic stand to ensure education for all.

The meeting, which featured nearly 1,000 youth leaders, was addressed by former United Kingdom Prime Minister Gordon Brown, in his capacity as UN Special Envoy for Global Education, and Vuk Jeremic, President of the General Assembly, according to a report on the UN News Centre's portal. 

Yousafzai told the gathering that the Taliban’s attack nine months ago changed nothing in her life, except that "weakness, fear and hopelessness died." 

"The extremists were, and they are, afraid of books and pens," she said. "The power of education frightens them. They are afraid of women." 

Globally, the number of children out of school has fallen from 60 million in 2008 to 57 million in 2011. However, 28 million children out of school live in the world’s conflict zones, and more than half of those are women and girls. 

Ban welcomed Yousafzai, praising her courage and determination. 

"Malala chose to mark her 16th birthday with the world," he said, noting that the strong support she has received from millions of people all over the world is a clear sign saying: "Malala you are not alone."