As the United Nations marks its 80th anniversary, the third part of CGTN's series 'The UN at 80: China's Perspective,' titled 'A Shared Future,' turns the spotlight on the global development gap and the promise of education.
In an exclusive interview, Secretary-General Gertrude Mongella of the Fourth World Conference on Women praises initiatives that leave no one behind. She highlights how schools like Huaping High School for Girls in Lijiang, Yunnan province in the Chinese mainland, are transforming lives.
Founded by educator Zhang Guimei, Huaping High School offers free tuition, boarding, and scholarships to girls from remote mountain regions. Since its launch, over one thousand students have graduated and gone on to university — a testament to what targeted support can achieve.
Globally, millions of girls still face barriers to secondary education due to poverty, geography, and cultural norms. Zhang's model demonstrates how local action can narrow the education gap and advance gender equality, echoing the UN's core mission of a shared future.
As Member States reflect on eight decades of multilateral cooperation, Zhang Guimei's story serves as a powerful reminder: investing in girls is investing in our collective progress.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
