Malala Yousafzai, the heroic Pakistani teenager who survived being shot in the head by the Taliban, marked her 16th birthday by delivering a speech at the United Nations headquarters, as part of her campaign for compulsory education for children. She emphasised “Islam is a religion of peace…peace is necessary for education” and told the inspired audience that “We want schools and education for every child right from childhood…no one can stop us. We will speak up…”

She referenced Nelson Mandela, Mother Theresa and Benazir Bhutto in a historical speech that is certain to inspire many across the world.