Islamabad, 10 June 2024 (TDI): US Chargé d’Affaires Andrew J. Schofer today inaugurated the three-day International Summit on Higher Education alongside the Chairman of the Higher Education Commission Pakistan, Dr. Mukhtar Ahmed, and professors from the University of Utah.
The USAID-funded summit brings together over 180 Pakistani and American university leaders and faculty to collaborate, exchange knowledge, and build partnerships to improve the quality of higher education and student employability.
The summit is part of USAID’s $19 million Higher Education System Strengthening Activity that supports 16 Pakistani public universities to improve higher education management, market-relevant instruction, and student support services.
In his opening remarks, Chargé d’affaires Schofer emphasized the crucial role of higher education institutions in driving Pakistan’s economic development. “Higher education institutions have an essential role in Pakistan’s development.
When universities deliver equitable education, provide youth with employment-ready skills, and lead in applied research and innovation, both individuals and society prosper,” he stated.
Dr. Mukhtar Ahmed, Chairman of the Higher Education Commission of Pakistan, appreciated this robust partnership between the University of Utah and Pakistani universities to exchange ideas and share innovations across borders.
HESSA Project
The HESSA (Higher Education System Strengthening Activity) Project provides technical
assistance to 16 Pakistani universities in improving their institutional and technical capacities in delivering market-driven education and research.
The primary objective is the employability potential of their graduating students. To mark the third year of HESSA’s engagement with universities, the project proudly announces the organization of an International Summit on “Shaping the Future of Higher Education in Pakistan” from 10-12 June 2024 at the Marriott Hotel in Islamabad.
The summit is designed to address a spectrum of socioeconomic and knowledge-sharing objectives.
Moreover, the summit will feature a dynamic agenda comprising plenary sessions, thematic discussions, panel sessions, and showcasing best academic and governance practices.
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The theme of this year’s summit is “Shaping the Future of Higher Education in Pakistan.” The summit tackles pressing issues related to access, quality, and relevance in higher education.
In Pakistan, disparities in access remain, quality standards are declining, and the sector is losing its global competitiveness. Despite advancements in higher education, these challenges need immediate attention to ensure a prosperous future for Pakistan’s educational landscape.
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