South Asian Nations Gather at Islamabad Summit to Equip Youth with 21st Century Skills

Several South Asian nations, including Nepal, Maldives, Bhutan, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, and Pakistan attended the international conference on higher education.

Tue Jan 14 2025
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ISLAMABAD: Pakistan has become the focal point of an important initiative aimed at enhancing regional collaboration in higher education, as it plays host to a three-day International Conference on Promoting South Asia Regional Cooperation in Higher Education (PSARCHE).

Kicking off on Tuesday, this significant gathering draws representatives from several South Asian nations, including Nepal, Maldives, Bhutan, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, and Pakistan.

This conference is being organized by the Higher Education Commission (HEC) of Pakistan, with support from the World Bank through its Higher Education Development in Pakistan (HEDP) project.

The primary objective of PSARCHE is to create a platform where higher education leaders, experts in various fields, and policymakers can come together to engage in meaningful dialogue about equipping the youth of South Asia with vital skills needed for the 21st century.

As the world evolves rapidly with technological advancements, the importance of adapting educational frameworks to meet changing labour market demands is more crucial than ever.

The conference aims to address these pressing issues by focusing on the impacts of digital transformation, the rise of online distance learning (ODL), and the influence of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in education.

By delving into these topics, participants hope to identify innovative strategies that will better prepare South Asian students for future challenges in the workforce.

In addition to discussing emerging trends, the conference seeks to foster a collaborative environment that encourages cross-border partnerships.

Strengthening regional networks among educational institutions and stakeholders is seen as a vital step toward achieving sustainable improvements in higher education across South Asia.

By pooling resources, sharing best practices, and building alliances, the countries involved can create a more cohesive and effective educational landscape.

One of the highlights of the opening ceremony was the address by a distinguished chief guest, the Minister for Federal Education and Professional Training, Dr. Khalid Maqbool Siddiqui. He expressed appreciation for the efforts made by HEC in organizing this significant event.

Dr. Siddiqui emphasized the importance of knowledge sharing and the exchange of best practices among participating countries. He expressed hope that the conference would provide a fruitful platform for building partnerships aimed at advancing collective goals in higher education development within the region.

The PSARCHE conference is not merely a gathering of minds; it is a crucial step toward addressing the future of education in South Asia. By uniting diverse perspectives and expertise, it aims to inspire collaborative initiatives that will support the educational needs of the future workforce.

The dialogue initiated at this conference is expected to pave the way for a more integrated approach to higher education, harnessing the potential of digital tools and innovative teaching methods to benefit students across the region.

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