Pakistan urges int’l development partners for increased funding for education

NEW YORK: Speaking at an international conference organised on the margins of 73rd session of the General Assembly at the United Nations (UN), Minister for Education and Professional Training, Shafqat Mahmood said that only through increased investment in education can nations move forward.

His remarks came at a conference, titled “Unlocking Human Potential through International Finance Facility for Education,” organised at the UN Headquarters by former British Prime Minister Gordon Brown.

Shafqat Mahmood said that inducting children on the streets into the schools was a top priority of the new Pakistan government and Prime Minister Imran Khan.

“Every effort will be made in this regard through increased funding but we would welcome participation by the International Development Partners,” he urged while emphasising that financing should be ‘on budget’ using country systems to ensure that there is no fragmented financing of education activities.

The minister also held meetings with Dr. Mary Kamel Kawar, Minister of Planning and International Cooperation of Jordan and Hon Ahmed Hussen, Canadian Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship, at the UN.

It is expected that as a result of this important conference more international assistance would be available to Pakistan to meet its education goals.

Others who spoke at this particular meet included Prime Minister Hasina Wajid of Bangladesh, President Republic of Malawi, Arthur Peter Mutharika, Jim Yong King, President of the World Bank and Amina Mohammed, Deputy Secretary General of the United Nations.