The New Nation - Internet Edition

UNB, Dhaka

US Ambassador James F. Moriarty Tuesday said innovation is an important source of economic growth and universities can help nurture innovative ideas needed for the flourishing of the economy of a country.

"The universities possess the skills and the knowledge resources required to nurture innovative ideas. The private sector requires the knowledge the universities have to solve problems, develop new products and applications, enter new markets, reduce costs and increase competitiveness," he said.

The envoy of the United States, the richest of nations in terms of high-tech innovations and wealth generated by the superior technologies, made the observations on the second day of the three-day Asian Regional Higher Education Summit at Westin Hotel in the city.

Titled 'Higher Education's Response to Global Challenges', the brainstorming at the meet is focused on four specific global challenges for the Asia region, including food security, women's entrepreneurship, teacher training, and natural disaster management and mitigation.

Sponsored by the USA, the Summit's objective is to expand the role and impact of US and foreign higher education institutions in worldwide social and economic development, Ambassador Moriarty told his audience.

The participants came from countries like Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Cambodia, India, Indonesia, the Kyrgyz Republic, Nepal, Pakistan, the Philippines, Qatar, Sri Lanka, Tajikistan, Thailand, Timor-Leste, the United States, Malaysia, Myanmar and Vietnam.

They discussed the building of innovative higher education partnerships, the partnership challenge, creating opportunities for public-private partnership and so.

Vice-chancellor of Bangladesh University of Engineering and Technology Prof Dr AMM Safiullah and Vice-chancellor of Dhaka University Prof Dr SMA Faiz were among others present at the summit.