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ISLAMABAD, Nov 24 (APP):Parliamentary Secretary for Federal Education and Professional Training, Farah Naz Akbar, emphasized on Monday that the government was taking concrete measures to target almost 26 million out-of-school children back into the education system.
She made these remarks during the opening session of the 14th Biennial International Conference, jointly organised by Allama Iqbal Open University (AIOU) and the Comparative Education Society of Asia (CESA). Farah Naz attended the event as the chief guest, which drew participation from more than 200 international delegates, said a press release.
Farah Naz described the nearly 26 million children currently out of school as an alarming situation, focusing that addressing it remains a key priority of the government.
Highlighting the importance of girls’ education, the parliamentary secretary noted that delegates from various Asian countries were participating in this conference, where sustainable policies must be developed.
She further underscored that the government was working on developing and providing curriculum in mother languages to help children who struggle with Urdu and English mediums, enabling them to enter and remain in the education system.
Separate subjects are also being designed for minority communities, she added.
She appreciated the conference, expressing confidence that such platforms would help identify reforms, policies, achievements, and shortcomings that could guide the way forward.
Speaking on the occasion, Vice Chancellor, AIOU, Prof. Dr Nasir Mahmood said the country stood at an important crossroads with 2030 approaching fast.
In line with the Sustainable Development Goals, he stressed the need to accelerate efforts to ensure quality education and improved access.
“We understand the challenges and have policies in place, but what we now need is an effective strategy for their implementation,” he remarked.
CESA President Dr Edward Vickers outlined the objectives of the conference, noting that this year’s theme, “Challenges to Inclusive and Equitable Education” aims to promote applied research and policy recommendations to advance equality, inclusion and sustainability in the education sector across the region.
Prof Dr Muhammad Shahid Farooq, Secretary General of the Comparative Education Society Pakistan, shared his views on the challenges facing the region in the areas of educational technology, special education, early childhood development, and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).