In a high-level meeting aimed at enhancing global academic cooperation and embedding climate priorities into higher education, Chairman of the Higher Education Commission (HEC) Pakistan, Dr Mukhtar Ahmed, held discussions with Dr Lidia Borrell-Damián, Secretary General of Science Europe. Also present were Dr Salim Omar, Director of ICESCO’s Regional Office in Sharjah, and Dr Muhammad Sharif, Director at ICESCO Headquarters.
The meeting focused on the rapidly changing landscape of higher education and the pressing need to position climate change as a strategic focus within academic and research institutions. Participants agreed that climate resilience and sustainability must become central to the future of global learning and research.
Dr Mukhtar emphasized actionable steps for collaboration between HEC, Pakistani universities, and Science Europe. These include strengthening institutional linkages, boosting research capacity, and expanding international academic exchanges.
He also shared a key achievement, noting that Pakistan has secured the highest number of Erasmus Mundus scholarships for the fourth consecutive year—a testament to the rising global recognition and competitiveness of Pakistani students.
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The discussions mark a significant step toward fostering meaningful international partnerships and aligning Pakistan’s higher education agenda with global sustainability goals.