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ISLAMABAD, Jan 22 (APP):Minister of State for Federal Education and Professional Training, Wajiha Qamar held a meeting with Mr. Fuad Pashayev, Chief of United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) Pakistan, at his Office.
The meeting focused on key education challenges, particularly the issue of out-of-school children, strategies to bring them back into the education system, and Pakistan’s response to the ongoing Education Emergency.
During the discussion, both sides emphasized the urgent need for coordinated and accelerated efforts to address barriers to education, including access, quality, and inclusivity. Ms. Wajiha Qamar highlighted the Government of Pakistan’s firm commitment to tackling the Education Emergency declared by Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif, aimed at ensuring that no child is left behind.
She underscored that the Prime Minister’s vision places education at the heart of national development, with a strong focus on enrolling out-of-school children, improving learning outcomes, and building a resilient education system aligned with global standards. Ms. Wajiha Qamar reaffirmed that the Ministry is working in line with this vision to expand access, especially for marginalized and underserved communities.
Mr. Fuad Pashayev briefed the Minister on UNESCO’s ongoing and planned initiatives in Pakistan, including programs aimed at improving literacy, strengthening education systems, promoting girls’ education, supporting education in emergencies, and enhancing teacher capacity. He reaffirmed UNESCO’s continued support to Pakistan in achieving Sustainable Development Goal 4 (SDG-4) on inclusive and equitable quality education for all.
Ms. Wajiha Qamar appreciated UNESCO’s partnership and stressed the importance of aligning joint efforts with the Prime Minister’s education reform agenda. She emphasized the need for innovative approaches, community engagement, and data-driven planning to effectively address the Education Emergency and ensure sustainable solutions for out-of-school children.
The meeting concluded with a mutual commitment to further strengthen cooperation between the Ministry of Federal Education and Professional Training and UNESCO Pakistan, with a shared resolve to realize the Prime Minister’s vision of an inclusive, resilient, and future-ready education system for Pakistan.