In a historic gathering in Beijing, Peng Liyuan, UNESCO special envoy for girls’ and women’s education, joined UN cultural agency director-general Audrey Azoulay to celebrate the 10th UNESCO Prize for Girls’ and Women’s Education.
Since its launch in 2015, this award has recognized 20 pioneering projects from 19 countries, boosting educational access for millions of girls and women worldwide. This year’s ceremony highlighted winners from Kenya and Lebanon, whose initiatives are changing how women engage with science.
'Over the past decade, award winners and visionary individuals have helped girls and women adapt to social development and achieve personal growth through education,' Peng said. 'The concept of empowering women through education has gained widespread recognition, enabling millions to choose their life paths and pursue their dreams.'
Looking ahead, Peng urged a stronger focus on scientific education for women. 'We must strive to ensure that women can embrace the technological revolution and create fulfilled lives,' she said, emphasizing the need to equip more women with scientific knowledge, technological skills, and innovative capacity.
China has long prioritized advancing women’s scientific education, and Peng highlighted plans to deepen collaboration with UNESCO and global partners to strengthen capacity-building and drive forward the next wave of women innovators.
Azoulay praised China’s support for UNESCO and congratulated Peng on her outstanding contributions to advancing girls’ and women’s education. Before the awards, the two leaders exchanged views on global strategies and posed for photos with representatives of past and present prize-winning projects.
As the intelligence era accelerates, this milestone event in Beijing serves as a reminder: empowering women in science isn’t just a goal—it’s a global imperative for innovation, growth, and equity.
Reference(s):
Peng Liyuan calls for empowering women through science education
cgtn.com
