Balochistan welcomed partnership with UNESCO under GPE grant program, Secretary Education
Quetta,– UNESCO, in collaboration with the School Education Department, Government of Balochistan, and the UNESCO International Institute for Educational Planning (IIEP) Paris, formally launched the Global Partnership for Education (GPE) System Capacity Grant (SCG) Programme in Balochistan. The initiative aims to strengthen institutional capacity and advance sector-wide reforms through the development of a comprehensive Provincial Education Policy, an Early Childhood Education (ECE) Policy, and a Gender Equality Policy. The programme further focuses on enhancing education sector coordination and organizational development to promote equitable access to quality ECE and primary education across the province.
In his welcome remarks, Asfandyar Khan, Secretary School Education Department Balochistan, emphasized the pressing need for education transformation in the province, particularly in improving learning outcomes at the ECE and primary levels. He welcomed the strategic partnership with UNESCO under the GPE System Capacity Grant Programme, noting that this collaboration will significantly contribute to evidence-based policy development and institutional strengthening. He also appreciated the engagement of UNESCO-IIEP Paris and expressed confidence that the joint efforts would lead to impactful and sustainable improvements in the education sector in Balochistan.
Addressing the participants, Fuad Pashayev, UNESCO Country Representative in Pakistan, underscored that the SCG Programme’s launch marks a major milestone in advancing Balochistan’s education system and expanding equitable learning opportunities for all children at ECE and primary levels. He reaffirmed UNESCO’s strong partnership with the School Education Department and reiterated the organization’s long-term commitment to supporting inclusive, resilient, and future-oriented education reforms in the province.
Speaking online, Martin Benavides, Director, UNESCO IIEP Paris, highlighted the importance of the SCG Programme in supporting strategic reforms aimed at improving sector coordination, policy development, and equitable access to quality learning for young children. He reaffirmed IIEP’s commitment to working closely with the School Education Department and UNESCO Pakistan to ensure the programme contributes to measurable improvements in learning outcomes and long-term system resilience.
As part of the launch event, a consultative session was held with participants to capture their insights, aspirations, and priorities for strengthening education policies in the province. Stakeholders from government institutions, academia, UN agencies, development partners, and civil society organizations actively contributed to identifying key challenges and opportunities for sector transformation.
With this launching ceremony, UNESCO has officially commenced the implementation of the GPE System Capacity Grant Programme in its role as Grant Agent in Balochistan. This milestone marks the beginning of a strengthened collaboration with the School Education Department to accelerate sector reforms and improve learning outcomes for children across the province.
Sohail Majeed is a Special Correspondent at The Diplomatic Insight. He has twelve plus years of experience in journalism & reporting. He covers International Affairs, Diplomacy, UN, Sports, Climate Change, Economy, Technology, and Health.
