Islamabad, U.S. Chargé d’Affaires Andrew J. Schofer today inaugurated the three-day International Summit on Higher Education alongside the Chairman of the Higher Education Commission, Dr. Mukhtar Ahmed, and professors from the University of Utah.

According to Embassy of the United States of America, the USAID-funded summit brings together over 180 Pakistani and American university leaders and faculty to collaborate, exchange knowledge, and build partnerships aimed at improving the quality of higher education and student employability. The summit is part of USAID’s $19 million Higher Education System Strengthening Activity, which supports 16 Pakistani public universities in enhancing 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 to play 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 the robust partnership between the University of Utah and Pakistani universities, which facilitates the exchange of ideas and innovations across borders.