ISLAMABAD: A memorandum of understanding (MoU) was signed between the United States embassy and the National University of Sciences and Technology (Nust) for establishment of a Lincoln Corner on the Nust campus in H-12.

The MoU was signed by Minister Counsellor for Public Affairs Raymond Castillo and Nust Pro-Rector of Academics Dr Osman Hasan.

Representatives from the US embassy, Nust Rector retired Lt-Gen Javed Mahmood Bukhari and head of Nust International Office Dr Riaz Ahmad were also present at the ceremony. Construction of the Lincoln Corner in the university is expected to begin later in the summer.

In his remarks, Mr Castillo said the Lincoln Corner at Nust would be a substantial resource for young leaders seeking to build their networks, hone their cross-cultural skills, and deepen their relationship with the US.

Nust is now part of an 18-member strong network of partnerships between the US mission to Pakistan and eminent Pakistani institutes of education and culture. Lincoln Corners are event spaces and resource centres that connect young leaders with the US; online and in-person programmes are free and open to the public.

The corner at Nust will be established in the campus’s central library and will include a makerspace lab, comprehensive physical and digital information resources, and an Americana-themed public events space.

The US embassy in Islamabad has already announced to establish a Lincoln Corner in Karakoram International University in Gilgit, that will provide students access to modern technology; construction of the corner in Gilgit will begin in the next few months.

The aim of establishing these corners is to connect Pakistani youth and emerging leaders to the US through educational and thematic programmes and peer-reviewed collections of information resources related to American culture, history, and international relations.

Published in Dawn, July 17th, 2021