Istanbul (TDI): Pakistan’s delegation participated in the Eurasia Higher Education Summit (EURIE) 2026 held in Istanbul, where it engaged with international stakeholders in the field of higher education.
The summit, one of the world’s leading academic gatherings, brought together representatives from 61 countries, including more than 380 universities and higher education institutions, alongside ministers, policymakers, and academic leaders. Against this global backdrop, Pakistan’s presence stood out for its clarity of vision and strategic engagement.
A delegation led by the Association of Private Sector Universities of Pakistan comprised 42 members representing 17 leading universities, along with participation from the OIC-COMSTECH. This coordinated representation reflected Pakistan’s growing confidence and collective strength in the higher education sector.
Prof. Dr. Sumaira Rehman, Rector of Superior University and Commission Member of the Higher Education Commission Pakistan presented a compelling narrative of Pakistan’s academic progress and global outlook.
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Her message “Pakistan Has a Compelling Story to Tell”, resonated strongly with the international audience. She emphasized that while technical competence remains important, the future of higher education must prioritize the development of ethical, responsible leaders. Highlighting Pakistan’s innovative approach, she introduced the “Leading with Character” framework, advocating for a values-based education system that integrates moral responsibility with academic excellence.
Following the keynote, a meeting was held between the Pakistani delegation and Prof. Dr. Erol Özvar, President of the Council of Higher Education (YÖK). The discussions focused on strengthening Pakistan-Türkiye cooperation through educational diplomacy and expanding collaboration in research, innovation, and mobility programs.
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Both sides explored opportunities for joint research initiatives, faculty and student exchanges, and technology transfer. Prof. Dr. Özvar also invited Pakistani institutions to participate in Türkiye’s 500 Research Projects Initiative, opening new avenues for deeper academic collaboration.
The engagement further included an invitation extended by APSUP leadership for a high-level visit to Pakistan, signalling continued momentum in bilateral academic relations.
Pakistan’s participation also gained recognition from broader international leadership. Senior representatives from Arab and Eurasian academic organizations appreciated the country’s constructive role and expressed interest in building long-term partnerships with Pakistani institutions.
Another major highlight was the Pakistan Pavilion, which attracted strong international attention throughout the summit. The pavilion became a hub for dialogue and collaboration, with delegations and university leaders exploring opportunities for partnerships. Several Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) and collaborative initiatives were discussed with institutions from multiple regions, including Europe, Asia, and the Americas.
Overall, Pakistan’s presence at EURIE 2026 demonstrated the growing importance of educational diplomacy as a pillar of international engagement. Through strategic participation, intellectual leadership, and meaningful dialogue, Pakistan not only showcased its academic achievements but also positioned itself as an emerging contributor to global higher education.
Sohail Majeed
Sohail Majeed is a Special Correspondent at The Diplomatic Insight. He has twelve plus years of experience in journalism & reporting. He covers International Affairs, Diplomacy, UN, Sports, Climate Change, Economy, Technology, and Health.
