I know there is debate about this issue. I reject the view of some in the West that a woman who chooses to cover her hair is somehow less equal，but I do believe that a woman who is denied an education is denied equality. And it is no coincidence that countries where women are well-educated are far more likely to be prosperous.
Now let me be clear：issues of women’s equality are by no means simply an issue for Islam. In Turkey，Pakistan，Bangladesh and Indonesia，we have seen Muslim-majority countries elect a woman to lead. Meanwhile，the struggle for women’s equality continues in many aspects of American life，and in countries around the world.
Our daughters can contribute just as much to society as our sons，and our common prosperity will be advanced by allowing all humanity - men and women - to reach their full potential. I do not believe that women must make the same choices as men in order to be equal，and I respect those women who choose to live their lives in traditional roles. But it should be their choice. That is why the United States will partner with any Muslim-majority country to support expanded literacy for girls，and to help young women pursue employment through micro-financing that helps people live their dreams.
Finally，I want to discuss economic development and opportunity.
I know that for many，the face of globalization is contradictory. The Internet and television can bring knowledge and information，but also offensive sexuality and mindless violence. Trade can bring new wealth and opportunities，but also huge disruptions and changing communities. In all nations - including my own - this change can bring fear. Fear that because of modernity we will lose of control over our economic choices，our politics，and most importantly our identities - those things we most cherish about our communities，our families，our traditions，and our faith.
But I also know that human progress cannot be denied. There need not be contradiction between development and tradition. Countries like Japan and South Korea grew their economies while maintaining distinct cultures. The same is true for the astonishing progress within Muslim-majority countries from Kuala Lumpur to Dubai. In ancient times and in our times，Muslim communities have been at the forefront of innovation and education.
This is important because no development strategy can be based only upon what comes out of the ground，nor can it be sustained while young people are out of work. Many Gulf States have enjoyed great wealth as a consequence of oil，and some are beginning to focus it on broader development. But all of us must recognize that education and innovation will be the currency of the 21st century，and in too many Muslim communities there remains underinvestment in these areas. I am emphasizing such investments within my country. And while America in the past has focused on oil and gas in this part of the world，we now seek a broader engagement.
On education，we will expand exchange programs，and increase scholarships，like the one that brought my father to America，while encouraging more Americans to study in Muslim communities. And we will match promising Muslim students with internships in America；invest in on-line learning for teachers and children around the world；and create a new online network，so a teenager in Kansas can communicate instantly with a teenager in Cairo.
On economic development，we will create a new corps of business volunteers to partner with counterparts in Muslim-majority countries. And I will host a Summit on Entrepreneurship this year to identify how we can deepen ties between business leaders，foundations and social entrepreneurs in the United States and Muslim communities around the world.
On science and technology，we will launch a new fund to support technological development in Muslim-majority countries，and to help transfer ideas to the marketplace so they can create jobs. We will open centers of scientific excellence in Africa，the Middle East and Southeast Asia，and appoint new Science Envoys to collaborate on programs that develop new sources of energy，create green jobs，digitize records，clean water，and grow new crops. And today I am announcing a new global effort with the Organization of the Islamic Conference to eradicate polio. And we will also expand partnerships with Muslim communities to promote child and maternal health.
All these things must be done in partnership. Americans are ready to join with citizens and governments；community organizations，religious leaders，and businesses in Muslim communities around the world to help our people pursue a better life.
The issues that I have described will not be easy to address. But we have a responsibility to join together on behalf of the world we seek - a world where extremists no longer threaten our people，and American troops have come home；a world where Israelis and Palestinians are each secure in a state of their own，and nuclear energy is used for peaceful purposes；a world where governments serve their citizens，and the rights of all God’s children are respected. Those are mutual interests. That is the world we seek. But we can only achieve it together.
