ISLAMABAD: Education can play vital role in the upbringing of societies and national development. It can influence people’s minds for a brighter and better future. Education can bring success and prosperity to societies. This was stated by Dr. Shahid Siddiqui, Vice Chancellor Allama Iqbal Open University Islamabad in his presidential address in the inaugural session of the International Conference held at AIOU.

The 2-day International conference is being held under the title “International Conference on Research and Practices in Education” with the collaboration of Higher Education Commission and USAID. The conference is being attended by international experts of education from the advanced countries as well as a great number of researchers, scholars and teachers from more than 20 Universities of Pakistan. More than 170 scholars are going to present their research papers in the conference.

In his inaugural address, Professor Dr. Shahid Siddiqui stressed on the role of education in the development of society. He said that education is a pivotal component of the modern-day societies. It is a vital component of success in today’s highly developed world. He said that in today’s world, education is not a passive or neutral phenomenon but it can be used for influencing others and bringing positive change in society. He further said that political, economic and social structures of society depend on the level of education. He said that the educational research should be focused on the finding of solutions of the prevailing problems of Pakistani society.

Professor Lynn Fendler from the Michigan State University USA was the key note speaker in the inaugural session who stressed on the role of education in process of nation building. She addressed on the topic of Critical Curriculum theories for Teachers Education. She said that the purpose of education is to make world better and beautiful. She said that a teacher’s role is that of a facilitator who can be a role model for students. She said that education can make impossible things possible.  She further said that the learning environment can play important role The conference will continue for the second day (Wednesday, February 3rd).