One child, one teacher, one book, one pen can change the world.
Analysis
The United Nations Youth Assembly transcript from July 12, 2013 records Malala Yousafzai delivering those exact words. Multiple reputable news outlets (e.g., BBC, The Guardian) quoted the same line from her speech. No evidence contradicts the attribution or wording.
Background
Malala Yousafzai, the Pakistani activist for girls' education, addressed the UN on International Youth Day in 2013, calling for global support for education. The phrase has since become one of her most cited statements, symbolizing the power of education.
Verdict summary
Malala Yousafzai indeed said, “One child, one teacher, one book, one pen can change the world,” during her UN speech in July 2013.
Sources consulted
— UN Youth Assembly, 12 July 2013 – Official Transcript (UN.org)
— BBC News, “Malala Yousafzai: UN Youth Assembly Speech,” 13 July 2013
— The Guardian, “Malala’s famous quote: ‘One child, one teacher…’,” 15 July 2013