PESHAWAR: US Mission to Pakistan Minister-Counsellor for Public Diplomacy William Ostick kicked off an international education and global entrepreneurship week here.

Mr Ostick also signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Vice-Chancellor of Shaheed Benazir Bhutto Women University Dr Safia Ahmed to renew the partnership for the Eleanor Roosevelt Corner, Peshawar, according to a press release issued here on Wednesday.

This corner is one of 18 American spaces in Pakistan, providing platforms to Pakistani students to explore American study resources and connect with US experts.

On the occasion, Mr Ostick stated: “As we celebrate international education week, I am honoured to be here renewing our MoU to continue the Eleanor Roosevelt Corner 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.

On Tuesday, Mr Ostick also met minister of labour and culture Shaukat Ali Yousafzai to discuss US-Pakistan cooperation to preserve Pakistan’s rich cultural heritage.

Mr Ostick also 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.

The minister-counselor also visited the National Incubation Centre Peshawar to inaugurate a three-day hackathon titled ClimACT. Project director Asim Ishaq Khan was also present. ClimACT is funded by a US Mission alumni small grant to find innovative solutions for the climate crisis and related challenges in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.

Published in Dawn, November 17th, 2022