Islamabad, June 18, 2025: Chairman Senate of Pakistan, Syed Yousuf Raza Gilani, on Wednesday underscored the pivotal role of higher education in national development, stating that it is essential for the survival and progress of any society. He made these remarks while delivering the keynote address as chief guest at the closing ceremony of the Faculty, Leadership and Management Excellence (FLAME) Conference 2025, organized by the Higher Education Commission (HEC) of Pakistan.
The event brought together a large number of distinguished guests, including the Chairman of HEC, senior faculty members, academic administrators, and officials from the education sector.
Addressing the gathering, Chairman Gilani described educators, academic leaders, and policymakers as the architects of a nation’s intellectual and moral future. He lauded the efforts of HEC, the National Academy of Higher Education (NAHE), and the Higher Education Development in Pakistan (HEDP) project team for driving innovation and accountability across the sector.
“Education is not merely a means to employment—it is a path to dignity, self-reliance, and societal advancement,” he said.
Highlighting the achievements of FLAME 2025, Gilani noted that under the HEDP initiative, over 4,000 faculty members, women leaders, and university administrators from 86 public universities received training during the year. He termed this initiative a transformative milestone rather than just a capacity-building exercise.
He emphasized that universities must serve not only as centers for academic learning but as critical institutions for nation-building. “Teachers are not just conveyors of information—they are character-builders, champions of democratic values, and guardians of intellectual freedom,” he stated.
Chairman Gilani also praised the vision and integrity of university administrators and acknowledged the vital support of global development partners, including the World Bank and the British Council. He credited them with promoting sustainability, self-reliance, and inclusive growth in Pakistan’s higher education landscape.
In a special mention, he highlighted the Women Empowerment Mentorship Program, asserting that Pakistan cannot reach its full potential without ensuring equal access to education, leadership, and opportunities for women. “Gender equity must be embedded in every educational policy and administrative decision,” he added, noting that his own daughter had served as a goodwill ambassador for women’s empowerment.
Concluding his address, Chairman Gilani stressed that the end of the FLAME 2025 conference marks the beginning of a greater journey. “The ideas, strategies, and collaborations formed here must now translate into policy reforms, institutional culture, and measurable impact on the ground,” he urged.
“With unity, courage, and faith in the power of education, we can build a bright, equitable, and prosperous Pakistan,” he affirmed.
