Ms. Farah Naz Akbar, Parliamentary Secretary for Federal Education and Professional Training, visited the Pakistan National Commission for UNESCO (PNCU) to review the organization’s contributions and discuss strategies for enhancing Pakistan’s role in global education, science, and culture. During the visit, Ms. Akbar received comprehensive briefings on PNCU’s achievements, current challenges, and future plans, reaffirming the Ministry’s commitment to international cooperation and capacity-building.
At the Commission, Ms. Akbar was welcomed by senior officials who provided an in-depth overview of PNCU’s mandate and operations. Established under Article VII of the UNESCO Constitution, the PNCU functions as Pakistan’s principal body for coordinating UNESCO and ICESCO activities. Its core responsibilities include aligning international priorities with national development goals, fostering partnerships with academic and civil entities, administering international scholarships and fellowships, and leading Pakistan’s multilateral cooperation efforts in education, science, culture, and communication.
The briefing highlighted Pakistan’s growing recognition in the international arena, noting the country’s current tenure on the UNESCO Executive Board from 2023 to 2027. Other milestones included Pakistan’s receipt of the UNESCO Prize for Girls’ and Women’s Education and the UNESCO International Literacy Prize in 2023. The establishment of eight UNESCO Chairs and two ICESCO Chairs in Pakistan was highlighted as a reflection of the country’s academic and research excellence.
In the domain of culture and the environment, PNCU shared updates on efforts to preserve Pakistan’s heritage, including the maintenance of six UNESCO World Heritage Sites and 26 entries on the Tentative List. The recent addition of Chitral Garmchashma and Gallies as new Biosphere Reserves, along with the inscription of Nowruz on the UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage List in 2024, were recognized as significant cultural achievements.
Educational advancements were also highlighted, such as the creation of 40 smart classrooms for girls in Azad Jammu & Kashmir, the submission of seven projects under the UNESCO Participation Programme, and new initiatives centered on promoting STEM education and Sustainable Development Goals, particularly SDG-4, relating to quality education.
Financial commitments for the coming years were discussed, with Pakistan pledging PKR 125.161 million to UNESCO, Paris, and PKR 80 million to ICESCO, Morocco, for 2025–2026. These contributions underscore Pakistan’s continued dedication to supporting international educational and cultural cooperation.
However, the Commission also raised several pressing challenges, including shortages in administrative staff due to vacant positions, limited capacity-building opportunities, inadequate operational budgets, and the need for stronger institutional coordination following the 18th Amendment.
Concluding her visit, Ms. Akbar praised PNCU’s valuable work and reiterated the Ministry’s support for strengthening Pakistan’s global partnerships and enhancing institutional capacity. She expressed particular interest in supporting initiatives aimed at overcoming existing bottlenecks, enabling PNCU to more effectively fulfil its expanding national and international responsibilities.
