ISLAMABAD: Through the Higher Education System Strengthening Activity, the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) arranged a 5-day workshop to bring strategic planning for Pakistani public sector universities.
University administrators and faculty learned how to develop and implement strategic plans to improve their universities’ management, market relevance, and student support services. These strategic plans will support varsities to increase students’ employability after graduation.
Kate Somvongsiri, USAID Mission Director, addressed the university leaders, saying that higher education institutions are central to Pakistan’s development. The universities shape future leaders. The degree programs give youth the skills to benefit from and drive the economic growth of Pakistan.
She also appreciated the partnership between the University of Utah and the Pakistani universities for collaborating, exchanging ideas, and thinking strategically to solve mutual challenges.
Collaboration with USAID Appreciated
In his address, Higher Education Commission Chairman Dr. Mukhtar Ahmed commended the collaboration with USAID to support higher education in Pakistan. He said that strategic planning is vital for universities to achieve excellence in teaching, research, and service.
He stressed that the participants should apply the knowledge and skills gained from the workshop to their institutions and contribute to the national development agenda.
USAID’s Higher Education System Strengthening Activity, implemented by the University of Utah, partners with the Higher Education Commission (HEC) and sixteen Pakistani universities. It strengthens higher education management, enables universities to enhance graduates’ employability, and improves student support services.
