Cardiff Metropolitan University has signed agreements with four prestigious Pakistani institutions which will lead to an increase in collaboration in a number of important areas.
The high-profile signing is between Cardiff Met and the following institutions:
- National University of Sciences and Technology (NUST)
The number one institution in Pakistan and 74th in Asia, as ranked by the QS World University Rankings.
- Lahore University of Management Sciences (LUMS)
Placed in the 251 – 300 band in the Times Higher Education (THE) Asia University Rankings and the 601 – 650 band in the QS World University Rankings.
- COMSATS University Islamabad (CUI)
Placed in the THE World University Rankings (801 – 1,000 band) with Business and Economics sitting in the 251 – 300 band. 137th in Asia according to the QS World University Rankings.
- Pakistan Institute of Fashion and Design
The only institute in Pakistan to be part of the Cumulus Association and to be affiliated with the Ecole de la Chambre, Paris. Boasts a 100 per cent employment rate.
The agreement will explore the following areas:
- Research collaboration leading to joint projects and co-authored publications
- Staff exchanges to enable cooperation in teaching, workshops and conferences, research enhancement and access to facilities.
- Student exchanges to support the growth of the intercultural competencies and soft skills amongst the student population of both parties.
The agreement is part of a wider consortium meeting between the partners in Cardiff Met’s Erasmus+ Capacity Building in HE project with Pakistan, B-International.
The B-International project aims to give staff at universities in Pakistan a framework by which to implement international strategies and to provide staff with the knowledge and tools to implement international activities. As part of the consortium, 25 colleagues from our partners in Pakistan and Europe including University of Salamanca, University of Bologna, Ecole Centrale de Nantes visited the University.
During the visit, there were a number of external speakers, including Executive Director of Taith, Wales, Susana Galvan.
President and Vice-Chancellor of Cardiff Met, Professor Cara Aitchison said: “Cardiff Met is delighted to have signed a series of memorandums of understanding with the National University of Sciences and Technology, Lahore University of Management Sciences, COMSATS University Islamabad and Pakistan Institute of Fashion and Design – all these partner institutions are at the forefront of higher education in their country.
“We look forward to a rich and rewarding relationship with each institution, where staff and students both here and in Pakistan will benefit from cross-cultural collaboration which will lead to increased research with global relevance and impact. The work we conduct with these partner institutions is also certain to help us continue to produce students and staff who are truly global citizens.”
Pro Rector Academics of National University of Sciences and Technology (NUST), Dr Osman Hasan said: “At NUST, we consider the cooperative partnerships with other institutions of academic excellence around the world not as an option, but a necessity.
“It is so heartening to see that Cardiff Met’s 2030 strategic plan also echoes the same values on the economic, social and cultural wellbeing and the enthusiasm for international cooperation. The agreement we signed lays the foundation for a collaboration that is expected to elevate the standards of education, research and innovation at both institutions.”
Rector of COMSATS University Islamabad (CUI), Professor Muhammad T Afzal said: “We, as educational leaders, need to prepare and partner for the transformation of societies in the era that is totally different from the past. COMSATS University Islamabad is committed to extending our relationship with Cardiff Met and other universities towards a sustainable partnership to jointly take on global challenges and the B-International project is an excellent example how it will be done.”
Vice-Chancellor or Lahore University of Management Sciences (LUMS), Dr Arshad Ahmad, said: “Speaking with Cardiff Met’s senior leadership teams across schools and the Global Academies, it is almost magical to see how perfectly aligned our strategies are in charting our future directions.
“This unique partnership has also created a sense of ownership, fellowship, and friendship – ships that are surely going to sail to many ports around the globe to make for a better world.”
Vice-Chancellor of Pakistan Institute of Fashion and Design (PIFD), Professor Hina Tayyaba Khalil, said: “I am delighted to sign the Declaration of Understanding with Cardiff Metropolitan University; it will strengthen our existing cordial ties and go a long way to benefit the two institutions mutually. It would also contribute positively towards capacity building and mobility.
“The B-International program has been extremely beneficial for all concerned. Since its inception, the B-International faced many challenges of transboundary, cultures and organisation. It was hampered by the Covid pandemic but with grit and determination it overcame these difficulties. Our presence here is testimony to its functioning and success.”
