US to invest in education of youth in Pakistan

 

US to invest in education of youth in Pakistan

The United States is committed to provide assistance to Pakistan in the education sector.

This was stated by US Ambassador to Pakistan Donald Blome while speaking at the International Summit on Higher Education and Workforce Development in Islamabad.

The ambassador said, “In a country where more than 60 percent of the population is below the age of 30, we must continue to help youth achieve their full potential.”

The summit was organised by the US-funded Higher Education System Strengthening Activity (HESSA) and focuses on the role of higher education in the 21st century, and exploring how universities can reposition themselves in the ever-changing landscape.

On the occasion, Minister for Planning Ahsan Iqbal said that the government is open to improving the higher education system and is looking into various options to exploit the potential of youth.  

He appreciated Pakistan’s 75-year partnership with the US government and celebrated the support provided by the US government to academia through specialized investment in higher education.  

The Minister announced to provide 20,000 scholarships to unemployed graduates of the country.

He said the Youth Development Initiatives (YDIs) recently launched by the prime minister, will enhance skills of students across the country. The minister also announced that under YDI, scholarships will also be awarded to the students of far-flung areas of the country.

Dr Mukhtar Ahmed, Chairman of the Higher Education Commission of Pakistan (HEC), said that the HEC will continue working with the US government to build a cadre of experts to improve graduate employability.

Senator Keith Grover, Utah State Senator from the United States noted, “It is the ultimate goal of an institute to provide necessary skills for youth so they can positively contribute to the workforce both locally and globally.”

The HESSA is supported by the United States through USAID, and is implemented in collaboration with 16 Pakistani public universities and other stakeholders.