A four-day training workshop on the strengthening of the higher education system, under the USAID initiative, was held at the University of Engineering and Technology (UET) Lahore. The closing ceremony of the workshop saw U.S. Consul General Kristin K. Hawkins attending as the Chief Guest and meeting with Vice Chancellor Dr. Shahid Munir. The meeting focused on various issues, including academic exchange opportunities between universities in Pakistan and the United States.
The workshop, conducted with the support of USAID, was held in collaboration with the U.S. government and 16 public universities across Pakistan. The primary aim of the workshop was to equip Pakistani students with the necessary resources to build successful careers in the future. Experts such as Dr. Randy McCrillis and Dr. Kari Ellingson from the University of Utah, Kerry Johnson from the American University in Cairo, and Dr. Kevin D. Arco from Duke University, provided training on topics including student leadership and mental health services.
In her address at the closing ceremony, U.S. Consul General Kristin K. Hawkins stated that USAID’s initiative is part of the U.S. government’s long-standing commitment to promoting education in Pakistan. She said, “For decades, the United States has been a partner in expanding educational opportunities for Pakistani students. Through close collaboration with Pakistani partners, the U.S. has helped build schools and universities across the country, provided free opportunities for Pakistani youth to study abroad, and improved the quality of existing educational programs. The USAID workshop is our latest effort to strengthen higher education in Pakistan.”
On this occasion, Vice Chancellor Dr. Shahid Munir expressed his gratitude for the U.S. support in strengthening student services in Pakistan, stating, “This training program will play a crucial role in promoting student-centered approaches at universities, benefiting both students and educational institutions.”