GEMS Education System UAE hosted a prestigious reception at the British Academy in London in honour of a high-profile delegation from Pakistan. The event brought together influential figures from the spheres of politics, education, and diplomacy to foster collaboration and partnerships for advancing skills and technical education in Pakistan.
The event was graced by esteemed speakers including:
• Ms. Wajiha Qamar, Minister of State for Education, Pakistan
• Lord Jo Johnson, Member of the House of Lords, United Kingdom
• Ms. Kirstie Donnelly, CEO, City and Guilds UK
• Ms. Gulmina Bilal, Chairperson, NAVTTC Islamabad
• Dr. Ghulam Ali Mallah, Executive Director, IBCC Islamabad
• Dr. Amir Saadati, Executive Director, GEMS Middle East
Also in attendance were Vice Chancellors, educationists, and representatives from the High Commission for Pakistan in the UK.
The speakers emphasized the critical importance of skill-based education in preparing youth for the global workforce. A shared commitment was expressed by the UK, Middle East, and Pakistan to work collaboratively for the promotion of high-quality technical and vocational education in Pakistan.
Ms. Wajiha Qamar stated, “We need long-term partnerships—not just services. With a population exceeding 240 million, Pakistan is one of the youngest countries in the world. This represents not only a challenge but also an unprecedented opportunity to build an education system that is inclusive, dynamic, and future-ready.”
She highlighted that 64% of Pakistan’s population is under the age of 30, and over 63 million children fall within the 5-16 age bracket. Only 42% are enrolled in public schools, with 32% out of school, and 26% in private or informal institutions. These figures underscore the pressing need for investment, innovation, and reform—especially in underserved communities.
The speakers emphasized the vast scale and diversity of Pakistan’s educational landscape. He noted that each year, around 8–9 million students sit for exams in grades 9–12, with many opting for international qualifications from British, Swiss, and American boards operating within Pakistan. He reiterated the IBCC’s role in regulating foreign education systems and highlighted a new online portal designed to streamline credentialing and facilitate engagement with international boards.
“Pakistan must not be seen only as a recipient of services but as a partner in innovation and co-creation,” Dr. Mallah said. “We invite UK-based and global institutions to explore new avenues for collaboration with us.”
The event concluded with a strong call to action: to treat education not just as a national responsibility, but as a global mission. The speakers collectively voiced their commitment to inclusive, technology-driven, and internationally benchmarked education systems that empower every learner to thrive in a rapidly changing world.
