… ignorance is indisputably the
principal reason for the decline and fall of peoples and the perpetuation of
prejudice. No nation can achieve success unless education is accorded all its
citizens. Lack of resources limits the ability of many nations to fulfil this
necessity, imposing a certain ordering of priorities. The decision-making
agencies involved would do well to consider giving first priority to the
education of women and girls, since it is through educated mothers that the
benefits of knowledge can be most effectively and rapidly diffused throughout
society. In keeping with the requirements of the times, consideration should
also be given to teaching the concept of world citizenship as part of the standard
education of every child.
(The Universal House of Justice, from a message dated
October 1985, addressed to the Peoples of the World; ‘The Promise of World
Peace’)
