Islamabad, Pakistan, October 2026 – SZABIST University Islamabad Campus has taken a significant step towards strengthening digital skills development among its academic staff through an ICDL Train the Trainer project, undertaken in collaboration with the Centre for Continuing Professional Development (CPD), ICDL’s Local Programme Partner in Pakistan. The initiative aims to equip faculty members with the digital competencies and training capabilities needed to integrate digital skills into higher education.

The collaboration was formalised earlier this year through a Letter of Intent (LOI) signed between CPD and SZABIST University Islamabad Campus, establishing a framework for pilot programmes in ICDL Train the Trainer. Through this initiative, the university aims to strengthen its internal training capacity while preparing faculty members to navigate emerging technologies and evolving digital learning needs.

As part of the project, participating faculty members successfully completed the ICDL Train the Trainer programme and obtained their ICDL trainer certification. This achievement provides the university with a foundation to develop its internal training capabilities and support the wider adoption of internationally recognised ICDL certification programmes within its academic community.

Building on this foundation, faculty members also completed the ICDL AI Essentials certification in October 2026. Delivered by CPD, the programme develops participants’ understanding of artificial intelligence, its practical applications, and the responsible use of AI tools.

The certification ceremony was attended by Mr. Khusro Pervaiz Khan, Head of Campus, SZABIST University Islamabad; Ms. Tina Wu, CEO of ICDL Asia; and Mr. Jehan Zada, CEO of CPD, alongside representatives from the respective organisations. They joined in recognising the faculty members’ achievements and the university’s continued efforts to advance digital and AI literacy.

Through the ICDL Train the Trainer project, SZABIST University Islamabad Campus is strengthening its institutional capacity to develop digitally competent educators and promote digital skills development across its academic community. The initiative also highlights the importance of equipping higher education institutions with the capabilities to respond to an increasingly digital and AI-driven landscape.

We congratulate SZABIST University Islamabad Campus on the successful completion of the ICDL Train the Trainer project and the ICDL AI Essentials certification by its faculty members. ICDL remains committed to empowering Pakistan’s higher education sector by advancing digital competence, strengthening trainer capabilities, and promoting AI literacy among educators. We look forward to continuing our collaboration with local partners and educational institutions to equip educators with the skills and knowledge needed to navigate an increasingly digital and AI-driven future.