Embassy of Pakistan in Brussels in collaboration with the Directorate General of Research and Innovation of the EU Commission has organized an information session on Horizon Europe grant scheme.  

Speaking on the occasion, Ambassador of Pakistan, Amna Baloch and Ambassador Riina Kiona, EU Head of Delegation emphasized the need to foster research collaboration in order to address emerging global challenges and attain sustainable development goals.

In her opening remarks, Head of Unit (Global Approach and International Cooperation in Asia) Nienke Buisman shared the theme specific approach of Horizon Europe and the strategic focus of international cooperation.

Horizon Europe is the European Union's flagship funding program for research and innovation.

During the information session, the audience was also briefed on modalities of participation from Pakistani entities in the Horizon Europe grant scheme by Senior Policy Officer Tania Friederichs.

Subsequently, experts from the European Commission shared details regarding diverse grants calls in the themes of agriculture, circular economy including sustainable textiles and disaster management. Attendees were also informed on the scholar mobility options and funding available under the Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions.  

In his closing remarks, Additional Secretary (United Nations) Ambassador Syed Haider Shah highlighted the global need for leveraging science, technology and innovation for socio-economic development. He emphasized that such events would further enable deepening of research linkages between Pakistan and the EU.

The event was attended by policy and academic stakeholders in Pakistan as well as by scientific diaspora in the EU.