BRUSSELS,Belgium (Saadia Ajbaili) – The Embassy of Pakistan in Belgium hosted a significant networking forum on October 14, strategically leveraging the Pakistani diaspora to advance bilateral and multilateral cooperation with Belgium and the European Union. The event, held in Brussels, served as a soft power initiative to strengthen partnerships in the critical sectors of higher education, scientific research, and innovation.
The gathering received high-level diplomatic and institutional engagement, underscoring the mutual commitment to fostering people-to-people ties. In a notable address, Sabine Capart, Counsellor at the Belgian Federal Public Service for Foreign Affairs, affirmed the value of such exchanges, stating, “Students are the best ambassadors, building bridges between countries, cultures, and communities. Your work in science and research helps drive collective progress and reflects the deep relationship between Belgium and Pakistan.”
The event strategically highlighted the institutional frameworks that facilitate this cooperation. Keynote presentations detailed EU-funded mechanisms for Pakistani talent, including the Erasmus+ mobility scheme, Horizon Europe research grants, and the Talent Partnership. These programs were positioned as concrete instruments of the shared EU-Pakistan agenda for growth and development.
The robust participation from key European institutions signaled strong partnership. The event featured dignitaries including Dr. Lorna Schrefler, Team Leader for International Cooperation at the European Commission’s Directorate-General for Research and Innovation, and Johanna Månsson-Delerce, Policy Officer at the Directorate-General for Education, Youth, Sport and Culture. Their presence underscored the European Commission’s endorsement of Pakistan as a valuable partner in the global knowledge economy.
The diplomatic mission effectively showcased the success of the Pakistani community, with experts from leading Belgian institutions like KU Leuven and ULB sharing their professional journeys. This served to highlight the tangible contributions of Pakistani talent to Belgium’s intellectual and economic landscape.
The gathering was widely praised for its role in community building and diplomatic outreach. Dr. Lorna Schrefler commended the Embassy’s convening power, noting, “What they did today I think was very well done—putting people together, getting them to talk and know each other… For this, the embassy plays a key role.”
His Excellency Ambassador Rahim Hayat Qureshi opened the proceedings, extending gratitude to European and Belgian partners for their collaborative spirit in “shaping global futures through education and innovation.”
The event concluded with an interactive session and networking, facilitating the formation of potential academic and professional partnerships. This initiative by the Embassy of Pakistan exemplifies a modern diplomatic approach, utilizing diaspora engagement and academic collaboration as a cornerstone for deepening international relations and fostering long-term, strategic ties.
