H.E. Ms. Wajiha Qamar, Minister of State for Federal Education and Professional Training, held talks with H.E. Mr. Ignazio Cassis, Foreign Minister of Switzerland, on the sidelines of the 43rd UNESCO General Conference in Samarkand. The meeting focused on concrete steps to strengthen cooperation in education, vocational training, research and sustainable development.
Ms. Qamar outlined Pakistan’s ongoing reforms that promote inclusive and skill-based learning, underscoring the government’s commitment to expand access and improve learning outcomes. She stressed how these reforms are designed to align with labour market needs and to support long-term sustainable development across Pakistan.
Minister Cassis reaffirmed Switzerland’s readiness to partner with Pakistan on innovation and quality education initiatives, highlighting the importance of collaborative research and capacity building. Both sides signalled interest in enhancing vocational training programmes and exploring joint projects that could benefit Pakistani students and institutions.
The dialogue in Samarkand reinforced momentum for closer educational ties between Pakistan and Switzerland, aiming to translate shared priorities into partnerships that advance research, skills development and sustainable growth. Continued engagement at international forums like UNESCO can help sustain these efforts and support Pakistan education goals.
