Cruise line has now partnered with Malala Fund to help educate girls across the world
By
Rebecca Gibson |
Malala Yousafzai, the youngest-ever Noble Peace Prize recipient and now Nobel Laureate and UN Messenger of Peace, has been named as the godmother of Celebrity Cruises’ new Celebrity Edge, which will launch in late 2018.
Born in Pakistan, 19-year-old Yousafzai became an activist at 11 years old, writing a secret blog about life under the Taliban, who would not permit girls to go to school. Yousafzai was targeted for her advocacy and shot on her school bus at the age of 15. She moved to the UK after surviving the attack and has since campaigned for girls' education around the world. In 2014, Yousafzai won the Nobel Peace Prize and donated her entire prize earnings to finance a secondary school for girls in Pakistan.
"Malala is an inspiration and a voice of hope," said Richard Fain, chairman and CEO of Celebrity’s parent company Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd. "This young woman is on a powerful mission, and we support it 100%. We are deeply honoured to name Malala the godmother of Celebrity Edge, and we're excited to team up with her and the Malala Fund to champion the global right to education."
Celebrity has also signed a two-year partnership with Malala Fund, which aims to secure 12 years of safe, free quality education for every girl.
"Partnering with Malala Fund was a natural fit as we share the same passion and commitment to an incredible cause,” said Lisa Lutoff-Perlo, president and CEO of Celebrity Cruises. “We believe in opportunities for all, especially as our crew onboard represent more than 50 different cultures – and amazing stories of achievement, education and economic advancement."
Commenting on the partnership, Philippa Lei, Malala Fund interim CEO, said: "We cannot get 130 million out-of-school girls into classrooms on our own. We are grateful to generous partners like Celebrity Cruises who support our work to help every girl learn and lead without fear.”