ISLAMABAD: Diplomats and senior representatives of various United Nations agencies on Tuesday reaffirmed their commitment to further expand cooperation with Pakistan in developing a skilled workforce aligned with modern global requirements.

The pledge was made at a high-level roundtable conference titled ‘TVET: Strengthening International Cooperation for Skills Development in Pakistan’, held at the National Vocational and Technical Training Commission (NAVTTC) headquarters.

The event brought together ambassadors and diplomatic representatives from 16 different countries, senior officials and heads of United Nations agencies, including the International Labour Organisation (ILO), Unicef, and the International Organisation for Migration (IOM), also participated.

Representatives of the German and United States embassies underscored the importance of public-private partnerships, emphasising that such models are essential for sustainable development and economic growth.

The European Union reaffirmed its continued support for Pakistan, stating that it remains committed to ongoing cooperation and partnership in skills development initiatives.

The ambassador of Mauritius presented a comprehensive proposal highlighting mutual learning opportunities, stating that Pakistan could benefit from Mauritius’ expertise in tourism, while Mauritius could learn from Pakistan’s construction sector experience.

In her opening remarks, NAVTTC Chairperson Gulmina Bilal Ahmad said the gathering reflected a shared commitment to equipping young people with modern, globally competitive skills. She emphasised that international partnerships were helping create new employment opportunities, promote innovation, and strengthen sustainable economic growth.

Published in Dawn, April 15th, 2026