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UNESCO, in partnership with the Pakistan Institute of Education (PIE), UNESCO International Institute for Educational Planning (IIEP) and the Institute of Social and Policy Sciences (I-SAPS), successfully concluded a three-day national consultative workshop in Islamabad from 15 to 17 April 2025 to validate key research findings on the role of district education managers in Pakistan.  The event aimed to validate key research findings on the role of district education managers in Pakistan.

Supported by UK International Development, the workshop presented initial insights and recommendations from a UNESCO-commissioned research study examining the functions, challenges, and impact of middle-tier education officials in strengthening education service delivery across the country. National and provincial education officials, along with development partners, actively participated in reviewing its findings and refining the recommendations. 

In his opening remarks, Mr. Kar Hung Antony Tam, Officer-in-Charge of the UNESCO Office in Pakistan, welcomed the participants and underscored the significance of the event as a joint effort to strengthen education systems across Pakistan by placing district-level leadership at the core of service delivery. He emphasized the need to bridge the gap between policy and practice through evidence-based approaches, informed by field expertise, and driven by a shared commitment to every child's right to quality education. Speaking on the occasion, Dr. Shahid Soroya, Director General of PIE, emphasized that the research study provides actionable recommendations to enhance the effectiveness of middle-tier education officials, particularly in addressing the learning crisis. He noted that these recommendations would contribute to shaping federal education policy and strengthening the education sector governance at both national and provincial levels. Dr. Salman Humayun, Executive Director of I-SAPS, reaffirmed his organization’s commitment to fostering resilient and inclusive education systems by supporting the middle tier through capacity-building partnerships.

The workshop provided a valuable platform for participants to review and validate key findings from a landmark study on district education managers in Pakistan. Through expert sessions and interactive discussions, it explored themes such as institutional roles, staff capacity, and data use, while promoting collaboration among policymakers and stakeholders to strengthen district-level education leadership and governance.

Participants expressed appreciation for the workshop’s interactive and evidence-based approach, highlighting the relevance of the discussions to their day-to-day roles. The opportunity to engage with peers and policymakers from across the country was seen as both enriching and motivating. Overall, the workshop was valued as a timely and practical forum for collective reflection and knowledge sharing.