Islamabad: Amid rapid global developments in science and technology, Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) is intensifying efforts to empower its member states to address shared challenges by launching pioneering initiatives aimed at fostering scientific and technological progress.
According to Qatar News Agency, these initiatives underscore the importance of collaboration among member states to promote sustainable development and self-reliance in technology, strengthening the Islamic world’s capacity to adapt to contemporary challenges.
As part of this effort, OIC unveiled a high-impact initiative to advance science and technology during a high-level event organized by Standing Committee on Scientific and Technological Cooperation (COMSTECH) in Islamabad, Pakistan. The event was attended by ambassadors from OIC member states, diplomats, university leaders, government officials, scientists, researchers, and students.
OIC Secretary-General, Hissein Brahim Taha, highlighted the significance of fostering scientific and technological collaboration among member states to confront key challenges faced by Islamic world. A cornerstone of the initiative is the fellowship and scholarship program for Palestinians, aimed at empowering Palestinian youth through education and skills development.
He emphasized the need to prioritize support for African member states, helping them address various challenges through collaborative efforts in science and technology.
The initiative aligns with a strategic plan to promote self-reliance in technology, encourage sustainable development, and mitigate brain drain among OIC member states. It also seeks to harness collective expertise of the Islamic world to tackle issues in healthcare, agriculture, energy, and education, reflecting the spirit of solidarity and mutual progress.
Coordinator-General of COMSTECH, Iqbal Choudhary, lauded the committee’s accomplishments in strengthening cooperation in science and technology. He stressed the initiative’s role in mobilizing expertise across the Islamic world to address pressing challenges and foster sustainable development.
Since its establishment following the historic Rabat Summit in September 1969, OIC has been a unifying voice for the Islamic world, representing 57 member states across four continents. The organization’s charter emphasizes solidarity, cooperation, and the promotion of peace and harmony globally.
OIC operates through three permanent committees focused on science and technology, economy and trade, and media and culture. It also oversees specialized institutions such as Islamic Development Bank (IDB) and Islamic World Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization (ICESCO), furthering its mission to protect and advance the interests of the Islamic world.