U.S. Assistant Secretary of State Promotes Educational and Cultural Exchanges

U.S. Assistant Secretary of State Promotes Educational and Cultural Exchanges

Islamabad, April 9, 2016:  Assistant Secretary of State for Educational and Cultural Affairs Evan Ryan highlighted the longstanding partnership in education and cultural exchange between the United States and Pakistan during an April 7-8 visit to Islamabad.  In meetings with government officials, U.S. exchange program alumni, and university students, Assistant Secretary Ryan underscored the U.S. commitment to continued cooperation with Pakistan through the U.S.-Pakistan Knowledge Corridor and expanded educational exchanges.  She also interacted with alumni of U.S. exchange programs, who have used their knowledge and experiences to support their communities across Pakistan. 

Speaking at the opening of the 2016 Pakistan-U.S. Alumni Network’s International Youth Activism Conference, Ryan noted that the United States invests more money in its Fulbright program in Pakistan than in any other country.  She also highlighted the success of the University Partnership program that increased academic collaboration between U.S. and Pakistani institutions.

“With nearly 65 percent of the population of Pakistan under the age of 30, investing in young people is critical to Pakistan’s future,” Assistant Secretary Ryan said.  “Over the last decade, we have put an incredible investment into Pakistan’s youth.”

During her visit, the Assistant Secretary also met with Minister of Planning Ahsan Iqbal, students and faculty at the National University of Sciences and Technology, and representatives from the U.S. Educational Foundation in Pakistan.  She participated in a live Facebook chat with U.S. Embassy Pakistan’s Facebook fans and also attended a screening of the Oscar-winning film A Girl in the River: The Price of Forgiveness along with filmmaker Sharmeen Obaid-Chinoy.