The United States Agency for International Development (USAID), via the Higher Education System Strengthening Activity, scheduled a five-day workshop to initiate strategic planning at Pakistani public sector universities. University administrators and personnel learned how to develop and execute strategic plans to upgrade their universities' management, market importance, and student support services. These strategic plans will support universities to increase students’ ability to get employment after graduation. USAID Mission Director Kate Somvongsiri made conversation with the university leaders, saying, “Higher education institutions are essential to Pakistan’s development. The universities build future leaders, stated in a press release. The degree programs give youth the expertise to benefit from and contribute to Pakistan’s economic growth". She also praised the collaboration between the University of Utah and the Pakistani universities for exchanging ideas and thinking deliberately to solve common concerns.
While addressing, Higher Education Commission Chairman Dr. Mukhtar Ahmed admired the collaboration with USAID to assist higher education in Pakistan. “Strategic planning is essential for universities to achieve excellence in teaching, research, and service”, quoted by him. He appealed to the participants to apply the knowledge and skills learned from the workshop to their institutions and contribute towards the development of the country. USAID’s Higher Education System Strengthening Activity, implemented by the University of Utah, partners with the Higher Education Commission and 16 Pakistani universities. It strengthens higher education management, enables universities to enhance graduates’ employability, and improves student support services.
