The Virtual Meeting of SAARC Ministers of Education/Higher Education on education sector’s response to COVID-19 was held in Kathmandu.

Convened by the Government of Nepal, the Conference had participation from all the Member States.

Hon’ble Mr. Giriraj Mani Pokharel, Minister for Education, Science and Technology of Nepal, chaired the meeting.

In the Virtual Meeting of the SAARC Ministers of Education/Higher Education, Minister Dr Ibrahim Hassan emphasised that 'Despite the economic challenges, the government of Maldives did not reduce a cent spent on higher education grants and assistance provided to the students. Dr Ibrahim Hassan also stated that 'Undoubtedly, education is a lifesaving opportunity for many of the vulnerable. Not only does it provide safety, protection, but also hope for a better tomorrow. Therefore, it is our utmost priority to minimize disruption of learning'.

During the Conference, the delegations discussed the importance of regional cooperation in addressing the adverse impacts of the pandemic on education, including through sharing of knowledge, especially through digital learning platforms.

The country delegations were headed by Hon’ble Abdul Tawab Balakarzai, Deputy Minister for Academic Affairs, Ministry of Higher Education of Afghanistan; Hon’ble Dr. Dipu Moni, Minister of Education of Bangladesh; Hon’ble Jai Bir Rai, Minister of Education of Bhutan; H. E. Mr. Anil Sahasrabudhe, Chairman, All India Council for Technical Education of India; Hon’ble Dr. Ibrahim Hassan, Minister of Higher Education of the Maldives; H. E. Ms. Wajiha Akram, Parliamentary Secretary, Ministry of Federal Education & Professional Training of Pakistan; and Hon’ble Susil Premajayantha, State Minister of Education Reforms, Promotion of Open Universities and Distance Learning of Sri Lanka.