Pakistan and Norway Collaborate to Advance Girls’ Education and Tackle Education Challenges

ISLAMABAD, Jan 13 (Alliance News): Federal Minister for Education and Professional Training, Khalid Maqbool Siddiqui, met with a high-level Norwegian delegation led by former Prime Minister Kjell Magne Bondevik on Monday to discuss pressing educational challenges and girls’ education in Pakistan.

During the meeting, which was also attended by Secretary Education Mohyuddin Ahmad Wani and former Member of the Oslo Parliament, Aamir Javed Sheikh, Dr. Khalid Maqbool welcomed Bondevik’s support for Pakistan.

He emphasized Pakistan’s commitment to tackling educational challenges, including climate change’s effects on schooling, and declared an educational emergency to address issues like infrastructure, teacher training, and child nutrition.

The Federal Minister highlighted Pakistan’s efforts to reduce the number of out-of-school children, with a particular focus on enhancing girls’ education.

A key achievement, he said, was Pakistan’s leadership in organizing the International Conference on Girls’ Education, which aims to challenge cultural and religious barriers.

Kjell Magne Bondevik praised Pakistan’s efforts and stressed that the country’s potential, if harnessed properly, could overcome its challenges. He expressed confidence in Pakistan’s ability to make historic strides in addressing educational inequities.

Secretary Education Mohyuddin Ahmad Wani updated the delegation on Pakistan’s innovative approaches, such as the School Meals Program and the Pink Bus Program, aimed at enhancing female students’ access to education.