OIC Secretary General emphasizes collaboration in science and technology

ISLAMABAD: The Secretary General of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), Hissein Ibrahim Taha, on Friday underscored the need for collaboration among OIC member states in science and technology to address key challenges facing the Muslim Ummah.

Speaking during his visit to the Secretariat of COMSTECH (OIC’s Ministerial Standing Committee on Scientific and Technological Cooperation), Taha emphasized the critical role of scientific cooperation in driving progress.

The event, attended by Assistant Secretaries General of the OIC, ambassadors, diplomats, scientists, vice-chancellors, and government officials, showcased transformative initiatives aimed at advancing science and technology across the OIC region.

In collaboration with Federal Minister for Science and Technology Khalid Maqbool Siddiqui and COMSTECH Coordinator General Prof. Dr. M. Iqbal Choudhary, Taha launched the COMSTECH Expert Service for Technological Cooperation. This initiative focuses on fostering technological self-reliance, sustainable development, and mitigating brain drain in OIC member states. Key sectors include healthcare, agriculture, energy, and education.

Taha praised the COMSTECH Fellowships and Scholarships Program for Palestinians, highlighting its role in empowering Palestinian youth through education and skill development. He reiterated the OIC’s commitment to supporting disadvantaged communities.

He also announced upcoming initiatives, including the 16th COMSTECH General Assembly in Islamabad in 2025, the 2nd Ministerial Meeting of the OIC-15 Dialogue Platform, and the Emergency Conference on Education in Palestine.

Expressing gratitude to Pakistan for its hospitality, Taha lauded COMSTECH’s efforts in promoting innovation, saying, “COMSTECH is a beacon of hope, empowering individuals and communities through groundbreaking initiatives. I urge all member states to support and actively engage in these programs to collectively create a brighter and more prosperous future for the OIC community”.

Prof. Dr. M. Iqbal Choudhary highlighted COMSTECH’s role in fostering collaboration, building capacities, and promoting scientific excellence, particularly in Africa and Palestine. Headquartered in Islamabad, COMSTECH remains a cornerstone of the OIC’s mission for scientific innovation across member states.