Minister for Federal Education and Professional Training, Dr Khalid Maqbool Siddiqui, participated in a series of high-level meetings and events organized by Cambridge University Press and Assessment from July 6 to July 9, 2024.
This visit aimed to foster collaboration between the Ministry of Education, Pakistan, and Cambridge University Press and Assessment, focusing on improving educational standards and addressing mutual challenges, according to a press release received here on Tuesday from Cambridge.
Dr Siddiqui, accompanied by other senior officials from the Ministry, including Ali Raza, Education Advisor to Chief Minister Punjab, and Syeda Zia Batool, Chairperson of PEIRA, engaged in productive discussions on transforming societies through education, exploring best practices from international assessments, and examining Cambridge’s role in climate education.
During his speech at the Cambridge Schools Conference, Dr Siddiqui emphasized that our bilateral ties with the United Kingdom have historically been strong with far-reaching educational collaborations that have enriched both nations.
This collaboration is particularly significant in light of the conference’s theme as it embodies our joint efforts to transition from competence to confidence in communication ensuring our educational reforms align with the global evolution of teaching methodologies and learner engagement.
Key highlights of Dr Siddiqui’s visit included a comprehensive overview of Cambridge’s educational initiatives in Pakistan, discussions on potential areas of collaboration, and a special tour of the archives highlighting the historical ties between Cambridge and Pakistan.
Dr Siddiqui also delivered a talk addressing the challenges and priorities in Pakistan’s education sector, emphasizing the need for innovative solutions and international cooperation.
The Minister and the Punjab representative underscored three key areas for future collaboration: enhanced teacher training programs, alignment of curriculum standards, and the integration of climate change education through a comprehensive curriculum approach.
The visit concluded with a lunch meeting with Dr Kamal Munir, Pro Vice Chancellor of the Judge Business School, and a guided tour of Cambridge University, reflecting the commitment to strengthening educational partnerships.
