The “National Education Conference: Educate to Empower – Learning What Matters” began today in Islamabad, hosted by the Society for Access to Quality Education (SAQE) and the Pakistan Coalition for Education (PCE). The event brought together education experts, policymakers, and youth leaders to discuss transforming Pakistan’s education sector.

Chief Guest Farah Naz Akbar emphasized that a learner-centric education model is crucial for national progress, highlighting the importance of public commitment and youth involvement in educational planning. Zehra Arshad, Executive Director of SAQE, called for a shift from an exam-centric system to one that prioritizes relevant skills and inclusion for marginalized groups, including girls and rural learners.

Dr. Faisal Bari, Vice Chancellor of the National Institute of Technology, stressed the need for a unified approach to education that integrates foundational learning with applied skills. Dr. Shahid Soroya from the Pakistan Institute of Education pointed out that the education emergency extends beyond access, with many students facing a learning crisis.

Abid Gill from JICA emphasized the importance of localizing education governance to meet diverse needs and aligning education with labor market demands, noting that 2.5 million youths enter the job market annually, while industrial growth is declining. Investing in Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) is crucial for economic resilience and employment.