Islamabad, August 6, 2026 — COMSATS University Islamabad (CUI) and Helping Hand for Relief and Development (HHRD), an international humanitarian and development organization, today signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to establish a strategic partnership aimed at promoting youth empowerment, skills development, volunteerism, and community welfare. The signing ceremony, held at CUI’s Islamabad Campus, was witnessed by Rector CUI, Prof. Dr. Raheel Qamar, HHRD Country Director Mr. Saleem Mansoori, and Focal Person to Chairman Prime Minister’s Youth Programme (PMYP), Dr. Robina Awan.
The MoU provides a framework for long-term collaboration, bringing together CUI’s academic and research strengths with HHRD’s extensive experience in humanitarian and community development. Through this partnership, both institutions will undertake joint initiatives in youth leadership, volunteerism, humanitarian response, and capacity-building through trainings, seminars, workshops, internships, and community service activities. Special emphasis will be placed on supporting persons with disabilities and underprivileged communities, reflecting the shared commitment of both organizations to inclusive and sustainable development.
The collaboration aligns with CUI’s commitment to experiential learning, civic responsibility, and meaningful community engagement by expanding opportunities for students to apply their knowledge and skills in addressing real-world societal challenges through structured volunteer and humanitarian initiatives.
During the meeting, the two sides also exchanged views on digital transformation, sustainable institutional practices, and entrepreneurship-led social impact. CUI highlighted its progress toward paperless operations and shared how its growing startup ecosystem is fostering innovation, creating employment opportunities, and contributing to socio-economic development, further reinforcing the University’s vision of sustainable national development.
Both organizations agreed to identify priority areas for cooperation, initiate joint projects, and establish an effective coordination mechanism to ensure the timely implementation of the partnership while exploring new avenues for future collaboration.
The signing of the MoU marks another significant milestone in CUI’s continued efforts to strengthen strategic partnerships that extend learning beyond the classroom and create lasting value for society. By combining academic excellence with humanitarian expertise, the collaboration is expected to empower future leaders, promote social responsibility, and contribute meaningfully to the well-being of communities across Pakistan.
