On World Education Day, Roza Otunbayeva, the UN's Special Representative for Afghanistan, urged the Taliban to lift their ban on education for Afghan girls. Otunbayeva emphasized that the prohibition harms the entire Afghan population, highlighting global support for reopening girls' schools, including voices from the Muslim world and the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation.

Asserting the Taliban's responsibility to uphold the rights of all individuals, regardless of gender, Otunbayeva stated that current policies isolate Afghanistan. She stressed the pivotal role of education in fostering societal prosperity and peace, framing it as both a moral obligation and essential for future stability.

Despite challenges, the UN High Commissioner for Refugees reaffirmed support for education in Afghanistan, considering it a beacon of hope. The Taliban's prolonged ban on girls' education beyond sixth grade and university attendance surpassing 850 days is viewed as a significant setback for the nation's educational and social progress.