Brookdale Community College Welcomes Mayor Syed Salar Jehan of Gagra, Pakistan

On Monday, November 18th, Brookdale Community College hosted Mayor Syed Salar Jehan of Gagra, Pakistan. Mayor Jehan, a leader and advocate for community development, visited Brookdale as part of a cultural and educational exchange program led by Ed Johnson, Brookdale’s Executive Director of Governmental Affairs and Community Relations and former Mayor of Asbury Park, NJ. His visit precedes his participation in the 2024 New Jersey League of Municipalities (NJLOM) Annual Conference from November 19–22.

Ed Johnson, who is also an Ambassador and Honorary Member of the Global Parliament of Mayors along with Mayor Jehan, expressed his enthusiasm for the visit, stating: “We are honored to welcome the esteemed Mayor Syed Salar Jehan from Gagra, Pakistan, as he embarks on this pivotal Business and Cultural Exchange visit to the United States. His leadership and vision are a testament to the strong bonds of collaboration between our communities, and we look forward to the exciting opportunities for growth and understanding that this exchange will foster.”

The day’s itinerary included a meeting with Brookdale President Dr. David M. Stout and a visit to the International Education Center with Director Dr. Janice Thomas. The afternoon was concluded with a tour of the Lincroft campus, offering Mayor Jehan insights into Brookdale’s educational environment. The tour featured key highlights, including the Caroline Huber Holistic Wellness Center, Esports Arena, EV Auto Tech program, Brookdale Radio 90.5 The Night, Health Sciences facilities, and the Center for the Visual Arts.

Dr. Stout emphasized the importance of international partnerships, adding: “At Brookdale, we recognize the transformative power of global collaboration and cultural exchange. Hosting Mayor Syed Salar Jehan provides a unique opportunity to share ideas and explore innovative ways to advance educational and economic development initiatives that benefit our communities worldwide.”

On Tuesday, November 19, Mayor Jehan joined Dr. Stout for the Brookdale President’s Community Advisory Council meeting before embarking on a broader community engagement and economic development tour along the Jersey Shore. His visit to New Jersey underscores a shared commitment to exploring initiatives that enhance cultural, educational, and economic ties between the United States and Pakistan.

Mayor Syed Salar Jehan, currently the President of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) District Buner, is a prominent figure in Gagra and a champion of progressive governance. A graduate of Islamabad with a Master’s in Business Administration, Mayor Jehan launched his political career in 2010 to address systemic neglect in his region. His leadership has been instrumental in transforming Buner District, focusing on education, healthcare, climate resilience, and infrastructure development.

His efforts to expand Pakistan’s Billion Tree Tsunami Project (BTAP) have earned acclaim, with millions of trees planted under his watch to combat deforestation and promote sustainability. Mayor Jehan’s leadership within PTI has also brought significant political victories, including securing three of four legislative seats in the 2018 general elections.

As a Global Parliament of Mayors Ambassador, Mayor Jehan advocates for global solutions to urban challenges, extending his impact on international platforms. His visit to Brookdale Community College and the Jersey Shore represents an opportunity for shared learning and collaboration between local and global leaders.

“This is what drew me to the Global Parliament of Mayors, the opportunity to connect with leaders around the world who are focused on the fundamental work of serving their communities,” said Johnson. “Whether it’s feeding families, helping children, or building schools and roads, there’s a shared commitment that transcends politics. To sit down with mayors from places like the Netherlands or Pakistan and exchange ideas is a beautiful reminder of the common ground we all share in making a difference.”

Brookdale Community College’s engagement with global leaders like Mayor Jehan reinforces its mission to serve as a hub for educational excellence and community partnership. This cultural exchange not only highlights the Mayor’s groundbreaking work in Pakistan but also provides a platform to explore collaborative opportunities that benefit communities on both sides of the globe.