The University of Management and Technology (UMT) has successfully launched an international conference and expo on Future-Ready Universities, which brought together leading voices from academia, policy and industry to chart a new course for higher education in Pakistan. The event was chaired by UMT’s Provost, Dr Asghar Zaidi.
The conference was attended by UMT’s Rector Dr Asif Raza, Chief Advisor UMT Lt Gen (R) Javed Hassan, along with a large number of educational, industrial and research experts, policymakers, faculty members and students.
The conference also featured inspiring keynote addresses by renowned international experts including Prof David Palfreyman (Oxford), Dr Nishat Riaz (Malala Fund) and a compelling session by Prof Atta-Ur-Rahman, former Chairman of the Higher Education Commission (HEC). Over a dozen panel discussions and workshops explored critical themes such as AI integration, pedagogical transformation, inclusive campuses, and alignment with the future labour market.
In a highlight of the event, senior leadership from Pakistan’s top universities, including Punjab University, FCCU, UOL, UCP, and GCWU Faisalabad, participate in a closing panel on “Conference Insights and the Way Forward”, moderated by Prof Dr Asghar Zaidi, Provost of UMT.
The conference also presented solutions to challenges related to smart campuses, green technology and digital learning. The primary goal of the event was to collaboratively work on strategies for developing future-leading universities, enabling educational institutions to meet global standards.
Dr Asghar Zaidi, welcomed the participants and said that UMT is playing a pivotal role in promoting educational reforms, innovation, and academia & industry partnerships. He shared that UMT reaffirms its commitment to drive educational innovation and foster a culture of collaboration, innovation, and inclusion in higher education.
The conference concludes with a declaration outlining strategic actions to build globally competitive, future-ready universities in Pakistan. At the conclusion of the session, Dr Asghar Zaidi, along with General (R) Javed Hassan, presented souvenirs to the guests and speakers.