ISLAMABAD, Oct 13 (APP):The Developing-8 Organization for Economic Cooperation (D-8) and the OIC Standing Committee on Scientific and Technological Cooperation (OIC-COMSTECH) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to strengthen cooperation in science, technology and innovation, with the aim of accelerating economic development and delivering tangible benefits to their Member States. The MoU was signed during a virtual ceremony by Ambassador Sohail Mahmood, Secretary-General of the D-8, and Prof. Dr. Muhammad …
D-8, OIC-COMSTECH sign MoU to promote science, technology cooperation
ISLAMABAD, Oct 13 (APP):The Developing-8 Organization for Economic Cooperation (D-8) and the OIC Standing Committee on Scientific and Technological Cooperation (OIC-COMSTECH) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to strengthen cooperation in science, technology and innovation, with the aim of accelerating economic development and delivering tangible benefits to their Member States.
The MoU was signed during a virtual ceremony by Ambassador Sohail Mahmood, Secretary-General of the D-8, and Prof. Dr. Muhammad Iqbal Choudhary, Coordinator General of OIC-COMSTECH, said a press release issued on Tuesday.
In his remarks on the occasion, Ambassador Sohail Mahmood underscored the growing importance of science and technology in driving economic growth, improving productivity and addressing common development challenges faced by Member States. He highlighted COMSTECH’s extensive experience in scientific and technological cooperation among OIC Member States, describing it as a valuable partner for the D-8.
The Secretary-General emphasised that the D8-COMSTECH partnership would provide a practical framework for exchanging knowledge and expertise, undertaking joint research, organising training programmes and strengthening institutional capacity. He further expressed confidence that the cooperation would contribute to advancing the objectives of the D-8 Decennial Roadmap 2020-2030, particularly in promoting sustainable economic development and technological progress.
Under the MoU, both organizations will explore cooperation in key priority areas, including agriculture and food security, energy and minerals, environmental sustainability, Artificial Intelligence, digital transformation and emerging technologies. The partnership will also promote capacity-building, youth empowerment, technical exchanges and stronger linkages among universities, research institutions and centres of excellence.
The collaboration will further leverage existing institutional mechanisms, including the D-8 Network of Pioneers for Research and Innovation (D-8 NPRI) and relevant COMSTECH platforms, to facilitate joint initiatives and promote the practical application of scientific knowledge and technological innovation.
The signing marks an important milestone in strengthening institutional ties between the D-8 and OIC-COMSTECH, reaffirming their shared commitment to harnessing science, technology and innovation as catalysts for sustainable development, economic transformation and shared prosperity.
