Federal Urdu University of Arts, Science and Technology (FUUAST), Islamabad, on Tuesday marked World Science Day for Peace and Development with a special programme highlighting science diplomacy, Pakistan-China research collaboration and international cooperation as key drivers of sustainable development and global peace, bringing together academics, researchers and students from various disciplines.
FUUAST marks World Science Day with call for Pak-China research cooperation
ISLAMABAD, Nov 10 (APP):Federal Urdu University of Arts, Science and Technology (FUUAST), Islamabad, on Tuesday marked World Science Day for Peace and Development with a special programme highlighting science diplomacy, Pakistan-China research collaboration and international cooperation as key drivers of sustainable development and global peace, bringing together academics, researchers and students from various disciplines.
The event, organised by the university’s Office of Research, Innovation and Commercialisation (ORIC), featured FUUAST Vice Chancellor and International Science Council (ISC) Fellow Prof Dr Zabta Khan Shinwari (SI, TI) as the special speaker, while Prof Dr Tianhua Hong, Executive Director General of the China-Pakistan Joint Research Centre on Earth Sciences (CPJRC), delivered the keynote address.
Addressing the gathering, Prof Dr Zabta Khan Shinwari emphasised that the rapid pace of scientific and technological advancement required universities, students and governments to continuously upgrade their knowledge, skills and institutional capacities to meet emerging global challenges.
He stressed that science and technology must be effectively integrated into national development strategies, while underscoring the importance of science communication and greater recognition of women’s leadership in scientific research and innovation.
Highlighting FUUAST’s institutional vision, the vice chancellor said science and technology were central to the university’s identity and mission.
He reaffirmed the university’s commitment to strengthening education and research through collaboration with Chinese academic and research institutions.
In his keynote address, Prof Dr Tianhua Hong highlighted the growing strategic importance of scientific cooperation between Pakistan and China, calling joint research and science diplomacy essential instruments for strengthening bilateral relations and addressing shared global challenges.
He noted that around 30,000 Pakistani students were currently studying in China and described the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) as a landmark initiative offering significant opportunities for cooperation between the two countries.
He further emphasised the potential for expanded collaboration in earth sciences, climate research and sustainable development, saying international scientific partnerships could build stronger institutional links and contribute to regional peace and development.
The session was moderated by Dr Faisal Javaid and attended by Campus In-charge Dr Tariq Mahmood, Chairperson of Software Engineering Dr Saba Bashir, Head of Pharmacy Dr Salahuddin Mirza, Assistant Professor of Mass Communication and ORIC member Dr Sikander Zarren, and Assistant Professor of Physics and ORIC member Dr Mehtab, among other faculty members.
A large number of students from Mass Communication, Pharmacy, International Relations and other academic departments also participated in the programme.
The event provided a platform for academic exchange and highlighted the growing role of science diplomacy, cross-border research partnerships and international academic cooperation in advancing peace, innovation and sustainable development.
