Teen shot by Taliban celebrates 16th birthday with UN address

Watch above: Malala Yousafzai speaks before the United Nations

Malala Yousafzai, the Pakistani teenager shot by the Taliban for promoting education for girls, has called on world leaders to provide free compulsory schooling for every child in a U.N. address timed to coincide with her 16th birthday.

Speaking Friday to youth leaders from more than 100 countries, she called for “a global struggle against illiteracy, poverty and terrorism.”

PROFILE: Who is Malala Yousafzai?

“Let us pick up our books and our pens,” she said. “They are our most powerful weapons. One child, one teacher, one book, and one pen can change the world. Education is the only solution.”

The U.N. has declared her birthday July 12 “Malala Day.”