KIU and AKDN will strengthen their collaboration in the areas of digital empowerment of youth, women, Entrepreneurship, climate research, DRR, High Altitude Agriculture, and water & sanitation. This was agreed in the meeting between VC KIU Prof. Attaullah shah and CEO AKDN Mr.Akhtar Iqbal. While recognizing the strategic partnership, VC KIU highlighted that KIU is closely working AKAH, Accelerate Prosperity, Aga Khan University, AKRSP and Aga Khan Foundation in these areas BS Disaster Management program has been initiated with AKAH, and their faculty and resources are effectively used for the success of programs. A joint research was completed with Aga Khan Univ and the Institute of Muslim Civilization and Culture UK on the success of the WASEP program for water supply and sanitation in rural areas to replicate this model in urban settings. The recommendations of the research will be shared with AKDN. Similarly, AP is a strong partner with KIU in female entrepreneurship and youth empowerment programs. Recently Green Innovation Centre has been established in Engineering and Technology Campus with focus in sustainable products and solutions. VC KIU also informed that out of 20 National Freelance Centres established by Punjab IT Board, the KIU centre has been ranked at the top. About 2000 youth are trained in the facility, and about 800 KIU graduates trained have done of business to the tune of Rs 230 Million. The skilled based employment involving digital skills is therefore an important area where KIU is focusing with partners like AKDN. VC KIU also highlighted the School of Professional Dev and Continuing Education where more emphasis is laid over employability skills. CEO AKDN Mr.Akhtar Iqbal appreciated the endeavours of KIU in these areas and showed his keen desire to further strengthen this partnership for the socioeconomic development of Gilgit Baltistan. In this context, a meeting has been planned in mid-June to further review and strengthen this partnership. Mr.Irshad Abbassi, Program Advisor AKFP was also present in the meeting. In the end, VC KIU presented his book on Pak China friendship and KIU publication on Mountain Studies to CEO AKFP.