Promotion of higher education is fundamental to development, survival of nations: Gilani

 

ISLAMABAD: Chairman Senate of Pakistan, Syed Yousuf Raza Gilani,

has emphasized that the promotion of higher education is

fundamental to the development and survival of any nation.

He delivered keynote address at the closing ceremony of the Faculty,

Leadership and Management Excellence (FLAME) Conference 2025,

as chief guest. The event was organized by the Higher Education

Commission and was attended by the Chairman of HEC, faculty

members, HEC officials, and a large number of distinguished guests.

He remarked teachers, academic administrators, and policymakers

are the true architects of a nation’s intellectual and moral future.

Chairman Gilani commended the efforts of the Higher Education

Commission, the National Academy of Higher Education (NAHE),

and the HEDP team, stating that these institutions have sown the

seeds of genuine transformation in the education sector by

upholding principles of quality, accountability, and innovation. He

stressed that education is not merely a path to employment, but a

route to dignity, self-reliance, and societal progress.

Highlighting key aspects of FLAME 2025, he expressed his pleasure

that under the HEDP initiative, over 4,000 faculty members, women

leaders, and university administrators across 86 public universities

received training this year. He termed it not just a training exercise

but a transformative step toward a progressive future.

Chairman Gilani said that educational institutions are not just

centers for delivering curricula, but pivotal hubs for nation-building.

Teachers are not merely conveyors of information—they are the

architects of character, the promoters of democratic values, and

guardians of intellectual freedom. He also appreciated the vision,

transparency, and continued public service efforts of university

administrators.

He acknowledged the contributions of global development partners

such as the World Bank, the British Council, and others, who have

gone beyond infrastructure or training programs to play a critical

role in institutional sustainability, self-reliance, and inclusive

development.

Chairman Senate made special mention of the Women

Empowerment Mentorship Program, stating Pakistan cannot

achieve its true potential unless women have equal access to

leadership, learning, and opportunities. Gender equity must be an

integral part of every educational policy and administrative

decision. " My own daughter remained goodwill ambassador for

women empowerment, he informed.

In conclusion, Chairman Gilani emphasized that the end of FLAME

2025 marks the beginning of the real journey. He said that the ideas,

strategies, and connections developed during this conference must

now translate into policy reforms, institutional culture, and on-

ground impact.

Addressing the participants, Syed Yousuf Raza Gilani concluded let

us move forward with unity, courage, and unwavering belief in the

transformative power of education. Our collective strength is the

foundation for realizing the dream of a bright, equitable, and

prosperous Pakistan.–NNI