From November 13 to 16, U.S. Mission to Pakistan Minister Counselor for Public Diplomacy William Ostick travelled to Peshawar to kick-off International Education and Global Entrepreneurship Week. During a capstone event for International Education Week, Minister Counselor Ostick signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the Vice Chancellor of Shaheed Benazir Bhutto Women University Dr. Safia Ahmed to renew the partnership for the Eleanor Roosevelt Corner Peshawar. This Corner is one of 18 American Spaces in Pakistan, providing platforms to Pakistani students to explore American study resources and connect with U.S. experts.
During the ceremony, Minister Counselor Ostick stated, “As we celebrate International Education Week, I am honored to be here renewing our Memorandum of Understanding to continue the Eleanor Roosevelt Corner Peshawar for an additional three years. Women’s education is vital for the future of Pakistan, and institutions like this one are incredibly important in achieving our shared goals of providing life-changing education to Pakistani women. This year marks our 75th anniversary of U.S.-Pakistan bilateral relations, and educational ties have always been a cornerstone of our relationship.”
On November 15, Minister Counselor Ostick also met with Khyber Pakhtunkhwa’s Minister of Labour and Culture Shaukat Ali Yousafzai to discuss U.S.-Pakistan cooperation to preserve Pakistan’s rich cultural heritage.
Celebrating Global Entrepreneurship Week, Minister Counselor Ostick visited the Institute of Management Sciences (IM Sciences) to inaugurate a “Creators’ Studio” at the Lincoln Corner located in the central library. The fully equipped state-of-the-art studio will help students and tech entrepreneurs to explore audio visual technology, learn digital skills, and develop content.
Further highlighting entrepreneurship activities in the province, the Minister Counselor also visited the National Incubation Center in Peshawar to inaugurate a three-day hackathon titled ClimACT, along with the Project Director Asim Ishaq Khan. ClimACT is funded by a U.S. Mission alumni small grant to find innovative solutions for the climate crisis and related challenges in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. Under the grant, National Incubation Center mentors will train a group of startups to refine their business ideas to address the climate crisis. The grant will contribute to the new U.S.-Pakistan Green Alliance, which will support Pakistan as it strengthens climate resilience, pursues energy transformation, and fosters inclusive economic growth.
For the past 22 years, the U.S. Department of State and the U.S. Department of Education have celebrated International Education Week every November to promote the benefits of international education and exchange programs. The same week in November also marks Global Entrepreneurship Week which spotlights thriving entrepreneurial ecosystems across the globe. For more information, please visit: https://iew.state.gov/ and https://www.state.gov/global-entrepreneurship-week/.
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