Peng Liyuan, wife of President Xi Jinping, called for broader support for girls' and women's education to help them enjoy all the opportunities that life has to offer.

Peng, also a special envoy of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization for the promotion of girls' and women's education, made the remarks on Thursday in a congratulatory message to an award ceremony for the prize for Girls' and Women's Education of UNESCO held in Paris.

Peng said girls' and women's education is a sacred undertaking.

Developing girls' and women's education and allowing females equal opportunities with males in realizing their development potential are important measures to make the UN Sustainable Development Goals a reality,Peng said.

She highlighted the role of the prize in encouraging more people to support the undertaking, and praised prizewinners for their dedication to promoting educational equality and helping girls and women fulfill their dreams.

Peng said that as a special envoy, she is ready to work with participants involved to support the gender equality initiatives by UNESCO.

The UNESCO Prize for Girls' and Women's Education, funded by the Chinese government, honors outstanding and innovative contributions made by individuals, institutions and organizations to advance girls' and women's education.

Contact the writer at caodesheng@chinadaily.com.cn