Habib University on February 23, 2023, in collaboration with European Union in Pakistan, hosted a European Union Roadshow, EU Roadshow 2023, which provided students with valuable insights into the EU and Erasmus+ opportunities. This event marked 60 years of diplomatic relations between Pakistan and the European Union and aimed to deepen the understanding of students about the EU and the countless opportunities it offers. Habib University has been selected as one of the top 5 universities in Pakistan to host the EU Roadshow this year. This prestigious opportunity is a testament to the University’s commitment to providing world-class education and fostering global partnerships.
The event began with a brief introduction by Ms. Nosheen Bukhari, Project Manager at Foundation for Arts, Culture and Education (FACE), and Ms. Sidra Tariq, Senior Manager, Office of Global Engagement, Habib University, followed by a welcome message from Dr. Aamir Hasan, Vice President, Academic Affairs.
The opening words were delivered by Mr. Thomas Seiler, Deputy Head of Delegation of the European Union to Pakistan, who discussed the importance of strengthening diplomatic relations between the EU and Pakistan. “The European Union and Pakistan have enjoyed strong diplomatic ties for the past 60 years. And we are pleased to partner with an institution like Habib University that shares our values and is committed to promoting cultural exchange. Through events like the European Union Road Show, we hope to continue to strengthen our ties and provide students with valuable opportunities for personal and professional growth.”
The event also included the European Union Exhibition which was a fantastic initiative to promote the various opportunities offered by European Union. The exhibition provided students with a unique opportunity to learn about the EU, its history, culture, and values through information booths. A group of students from Habib University had volunteered to be trained by the EU delegation; their training allowed them to serve as spokespersons for the European Union delegation at the various booths. Habib University’s students participated enthusiastically throughout the event, and broadened their horizon by learning from their peers about the bilateral relations between the two regions, and the historically standing commitment to the provision of education to bring about positive social change.
Also, part of the exhibition, The Dosti Truck, placed on the Habib University campus, served as a symbol of the 60-year friendship between Pakistan and the EU. The Dosti Truck is a beautiful visual representation of Pakistani trucks, which are not just a means of transportation, but also a symbol of the cultural heritage of Pakistan. The truck’s artwork highlighted all the special aspects of Pakistani and European culture and is a reminder of the strong diplomatic relations between the two regions based on cultural exchange and collaboration.
The next part of the event focused on an informative session on the EU and Erasmus+. Ms. Yusra Afzal, Team Lead, Career Advising and Training, provided an introduction and Mr. Shoaib Khan, Assistant Director, Career Services and Alumni Office, also delivered a welcome message to the attendees.
“At Habib University, we believe that our students deserve the best career opportunities available. Our Office of Career Services is dedicated to giving our students the tools and resources they need to succeed in their careers,” said Mr. Shoaib Khan. He continued by saying, “(…) and our partnership with the European Union and the Erasmus+ program is an excellent example of our commitment to providing our students with the best possible opportunities for personal and professional growth.”
Pakistan and the European Union have a long history of collaboration in promoting education. The EU has been a key partner for Pakistan in providing support for education initiatives, including funding for scholarships and exchange programs, and support for primary education, vocational training, and teacher training programs.
The presentation on EU and Erasmus+ was given by Samar Akhtar Saeed, Communication Officer, Delegation of the European Union to Pakistan. “Erasmus+ is more than just a study abroad program. It provides students with an opportunity to develop their cultural awareness and gain international experience that will be valuable in their personal and professional lives.”
Following the presentation, there was a panel discussion with Erasmus+ alumni. The alumni shared their experiences with the program and provided valuable insights into the application process, the benefits of participating in the program, and how it has helped them in their personal and professional growth.
Finally, the event concluded with a Q&A session where students had the opportunity to ask questions and clarify their doubts about the EU and Erasmus+. The session was informative, and the students gained valuable insights into the scholarship program and the EU.
The event was a remarkable success, and it is hoped that such initiatives will continue to foster stronger diplomatic ties between Pakistan and the EU in the years to come. The event also provided a platform for Habib University to strengthen its ties with the EU, fostering a sense of camaraderie and collaboration for future educational initiatives.
