Islamabad: Chairman of the Higher Education Commission (HEC) Pakistan, Dr. Mukhtar Ahmed, has expressed Pakistan’s commitment to enhancing academic collaboration among Islamic countries.

During his keynote address at the 6th Vice Chancellors’ Forum, held at ICESCO headquarters in Rabat, Morocco, Dr. Ahmed emphasized the need for collective efforts in addressing educational challenges. The event, co-hosted by HEC Pakistan and ICESCO, saw participation from educational leaders across OIC nations, focusing on sustainability, research, climate resilience, and preparing future-ready universities.

Dr. Ahmed addressed a gathering of higher education leaders, ministers, and international dignitaries, stressing the importance of collaborative research and climate education. He advocated for a renewed vision of universities, highlighting their potential as agents of progress and innovation in the face of global challenges like climate change.

The Chairman emphasized the need to integrate climate change into educational systems, labeling it as a priority that goes beyond national boundaries. He praised ICESCO’s leadership and acknowledged the presence of thought leaders from Morocco, the Maldives, Libya, and other nations.

Dr. Ahmed highlighted Pakistan’s initiatives, particularly the ILMBANK platform, which has facilitated 1,332 scholarships from 25 Pakistani universities for students from OIC countries. He reiterated Pakistan’s dedication to promoting inclusive access to higher education across the Muslim world.

In a bilateral meeting with Dr. Lidia Borrell-Damián, Secretary General of Science Europe, Dr. Ahmed explored opportunities for research collaboration between Pakistan and European institutions.

Dr. Ahmed also announced that Pakistan has achieved the highest number of Erasmus Mundus scholarships globally for the fourth consecutive year, showcasing the academic capabilities of Pakistani students and the nation’s expanding international presence in higher education.