Ms. O’Brien highlighted the significance of soft skills development, underscoring its role in enhancing students’ career readiness and market competitiveness.
Islamabad: The United States Agency for International Development (USAID) and Pakistani higher education institutions are collaborating to revolutionize student support services across universities in Pakistan. This initiative aims to equip students with crucial skills essential for success in today’s competitive global landscape.
The 3rd Annual Summit, organized under USAID’s Higher Education System Strengthening Activity (HESSA), convened over 100 officials and faculty from 16 partner universities nationwide. Over four days, the event showcased the strong partnership between the United States and Pakistan, emphasizing their joint commitment to improving access to quality higher education.
Prof. Dr. Bushra Mirza, Member (R&D) Higher Education Commission of Pakistan, and Ms. Maura O’Brien, USAID Deputy Mission Director, chaired the summit’s opening session. Dr. Mirza stressed the importance of creating inclusive university environments that nurture student belonging and empowerment.
Ms. O’Brien highlighted the significance of soft skills development, underscoring its role in enhancing students’ career readiness and market competitiveness.
Implemented in collaboration with the University of Utah, the HESSA initiative supports Pakistan’s Higher Education Commission and 16 partner universities in enhancing institutional capacities for market-driven education and research. The summit covered critical areas including financial aid, student leadership, career readiness, and mental health support.
The United States remains committed to strengthening higher education in Pakistan, fostering a future where all Pakistanis can benefit from quality education and opportunities for growth.
