HEC Partners with University of Utah to Transform Higher Education in Pakistan
— October 31, 2024
ISLAMABAD (AIA) The Higher Education Commission (HEC) of Pakistan and the University of Utah signed a landmark agreement on Thursday to strengthen capacity-building in public sector universities across Pakistan, an initiative backed by the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) through its Higher Education System Strengthening Activity (HESSA).
This collaboration focuses on advancing faculty development, strategic planning, policy reform, and institutional governance to support Pakistan’s higher education system.
The signing ceremony was attended by HEC Chairman Dr. Mukhtar Ahmed, USAID Deputy Mission Director Andrew McKim, and senior officials from HEC, the University of Utah, and USAID. Awais Ahmed, Adviser for Global Engagement at HEC, and Dr. Michael Barber, Professor of Civil Engineering at the University of Utah, signed the agreement. The partnership will support an additional 16 Pakistani universities, expanding HESSA’s reach.
Dr. Mukhtar Ahmed highlighted the significance of the partnership, stating, “This collaboration will empower our faculty and institutional leaders to elevate education standards across Pakistan.” He expressed appreciation for USAID’s substantial investment in youth development, emphasising Pakistan’s youth as a “goldmine” for the nation’s future.
Andrew McKim echoed this vision, stating, “USAID is proud to support this transformative initiative, reinforcing the critical role of education in driving sustainable development in Pakistan.”
Dr. Barber noted the University of Utah’s enthusiasm for the partnership: “We are honoured to work with HEC to advance Pakistan’s education system. Together, we aim to promote innovation, knowledge-sharing, and academic growth.”
The partnership underscores USAID’s mission to strengthen Pakistan’s higher education sector through international cooperation, equipping Pakistani universities to meet global standards. The collaboration with the University of Utah reflects HEC’s commitment to fostering lasting global academic relationships that benefit students and faculty alike.