Federal Minister for Investment, Board of Investment (BOI), Qaiser Ahmed Sheikh, attended the opening session of the International Education Summit & Expo 2026 at the COMSTECH Secretariat, Islamabad, today and delivered a keynote address highlighting the transformative role of education, technology, skills development and international cooperation in achieving sustainable economic growth and prosperity.
The International Education Summit & Expo is being held from 19–20 August 2026 under the theme “Promoting Global Education for Sustainable Growth & Economic Prosperity”, with the overarching message “Where Universities Connect with Future Global Students.” The conference is being organised by Islamic Chamber of Commerce and Development (ICCD), with the collaboration of the OIC-COMSTECH, Federation of Pakistan Chambers of Commerce & Industry (FPCCI), Board of Investment and Sustainable Tourism Forum. The exhibition is being held on 19 and 20 August at the COMSTECH Secretariat, Islamabad.
The opening session was attended by prominent national and international personalities, including Coordinator General OIC-COMSTECH Prof. Dr. M. Iqbal Choudhary, President FPCCI Atif Ikram Sheikh, Director General SESRIC H.E. Zehra Zümrüt Selçuk, ambassadors, representatives of universities, chambers of commerce, the private sector, educational institutions and other distinguished guests.
Speaking at the occasion, Federal Minister Qaiser Ahmed Sheikh appreciated the Islamic Chamber of Commerce and Development (ICCD) for initiating what he described as a timely and important educational summit that brings together universities, the private sector, educationists and other stakeholders on a common platform.
The Federal Minister said that education was a subject particularly close to his heart and emphasised that education is the key to development and one of the most powerful instruments for bringing people out of poverty. He stressed that Pakistan and other developing countries must devote greater attention and resources to education, skills development and creating opportunities for young people.
Qaiser Ahmed Sheikh observed that rapid technological developments, digitalisation and artificial intelligence are transforming economies and societies around the world, making the summit especially relevant and timely. He said the international community must prepare young people to participate meaningfully in this changing global economy by providing them with quality education, digital opportunities, employable skills and avenues for entrepreneurship.
Referring to the demographic potential of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) countries, the Federal Minister noted that the number of young people in OIC member states is projected to reach approximately 427 million in the coming years. He said that if this young population is equipped with quality education, modern skills, digital capabilities and employment opportunities, it can become a tremendous source of economic growth, innovation and prosperity for the entire Muslim world.
He stressed the importance of connecting universities, governments, educationalists and the private sector so that education systems are aligned with the evolving requirements of national and international economies.
Drawing from his own experience as a businessman and politician, Qaiser Ahmed Sheikh said he had personally witnessed the transformation of China during his visits to the country as a young businessman. He observed that China’s remarkable progress in lifting millions of people out of poverty was supported by a strong emphasis on education, development and national consensus.
The Federal Minister said that Pakistan also needs to place education at the centre of its national development strategy. He shared that even in his hometown, he had remained focused on promoting education and had contributed towards establishing a leading campus of FAST National University in Chiniot, reflecting his belief that investment in education is an investment in the future of the country.
He expressed concern that millions of children in Pakistan still remain outside the formal education system and stressed that the country must devote greater energies and resources to ensuring access to quality education for every child.
Qaiser Ahmed Sheikh called for modernisation of the education system, saying that educational institutions must prepare students not only with academic knowledge but also with practical skills, digital literacy, critical thinking, communication abilities and other competencies required in the modern world.
He emphasised that the world has increasingly become a global village and that young people must be prepared to engage with different cultures, societies and ideas. He called for greater emphasis on consensus-building, tolerance, interfaith harmony, mutual respect and peaceful coexistence, saying that education should help create knowledgeable, resilient and responsible citizens.
The Federal Minister further highlighted the importance of soft skills alongside technical education, stating that leadership, communication, teamwork, tolerance, resilience and the ability to build consensus are essential qualities for young people seeking to succeed in an increasingly interconnected world.
He said that Pakistan has historically played a constructive role in facilitating international engagement and dialogue, recalling the country’s contribution to improving relations between the United States and China during the 1970s. He added that Pakistan continues to make efforts to promote dialogue, cooperation and peace in the region and beyond.
Speaking from the perspective of his responsibilities as Federal Minister for Investment, Qaiser Ahmed Sheikh stated that investment can only flourish in an environment of peace, stability and friendly relations with other countries. He said Pakistan is making vigorous efforts to strengthen international relations, attract foreign investors and create a more conducive environment for businesses.
He reiterated the government’s commitment to making Pakistan an attractive investment destination by improving the ease of doing business and providing investors with a smooth and predictable business experience. He highlighted ongoing efforts to simplify regulatory procedures, remove unnecessary hurdles and streamline processes to facilitate domestic and foreign investment.
The Federal Minister stressed that Pakistan’s economic future requires collective efforts and greater national consensus, including sustained focus on economic development and long-term policy continuity. He underscored the importance of moving beyond individual and institutional interests in pursuit of national objectives.
Qaiser Ahmed Sheikh said the take-home message from the summit should be to develop skills, build consensus and strengthen resilience, while ensuring that education remains at the heart of Pakistan’s efforts for sustainable development and economic prosperity.
He appreciated the organisers and participants for bringing together the education sector, business community and international stakeholders and expressed hope that the summit would result in meaningful partnerships between universities and institutions across countries, creating new opportunities for students and strengthening international educational cooperation.
Earlier, the opening session featured the recitation of the Holy Quran and the National Anthem of Pakistan, followed by the inaugural address by Khawaja Ashraf Hussain, Director Events Management, Islamic Chamber of Commerce & Development. A welcome address was delivered by H.E. Prof. Dr. M. Iqbal Choudhary, Coordinator General, OIC-COMSTECH, while keynote addresses were also delivered by H.E. Atif Ikram Sheikh, President FPCCI, and H.E. Zehra Zümrüt Selçuk, Director General, SESRIC.
Following the opening session, Federal Minister Qaiser Ahmed Sheikh, along with other distinguished guests, visited the exhibition stalls and interacted with participating institutions and exhibitors. The exhibition provides universities, educational institutions and other stakeholders an opportunity to showcase their programmes, initiatives and opportunities for international students.
At the conclusion of the event, shields were presented to the distinguished guests and speakers in recognition of their participation and contribution to the summit.
The Board of Investment remains committed to promoting Pakistan as a competitive destination for investment, strengthening international partnerships and supporting initiatives that contribute to human capital development, innovation, entrepreneurship and sustainable economic growth.
