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ISLAMABAD, Dec 25 (APP): Libya and the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation’s Standing Committee on Scientific and Technological Cooperation (OIC-COMSTECH) have agreed to significantly strengthen their collaboration in science, research, and technology, with a focus on innovation, capacity building, and higher education.
The understanding was reached during a meeting between the Ambassador of Libya to Pakistan, Moamar Abdmutalib, and the Coordinator General of OIC-COMSTECH, Prof Dr M. Iqbal Choudhary, held at the Libyan Embassy in Islamabad.
During the meeting, both sides agreed to launch the COMSTECH–Libya Programme, a comprehensive initiative aimed at expanding cooperation between Libya and OIC member and observer states through OIC-COMSTECH.
The programme seeks to promote scientific research, technological innovation and human resource development across key sectors.
As a major component of the initiative, an Artificial Intelligence Research and Development Centre will be established at the University of Tripoli, focusing on AI applications in health, environmental sustainability and agriculture. OIC-COMSTECH will also facilitate the annual training of 50 healthcare professionals, including nurses, laboratory technicians and midwives, to strengthen Libya’s healthcare system.
The programme further includes capacity building for researchers in food security and agriculture, utilizing modern technologies such as GIS mapping, smart agriculture management systems and Internet of Things (IoT) applications to enhance productivity and support Libya’s food security objectives.
In addition, disaster management capacity-building programs will be undertaken, with an emphasis on disaster preparedness, health emergencies, and climate vulnerability.
OIC-COMSTECH will also host rectors and presidents of Libyan universities for an education forum designed to promote inter-university collaboration and academic exchange.
Another key feature of the initiative is the proposed establishment of an OIC-COMSTECH MENA Regional Coordination Office in Libya, with the support of the Libyan government, to facilitate regional scientific cooperation.
Prof Dr Iqbal Choudhary thanked the Libyan ambassador for the warm hospitality and reaffirmed OIC-COMSTECH’s commitment to supporting Libya’s scientific and technological development.
Ambassador Moamar Abdmutalib said the partnership would open new avenues for Libyan researchers and professionals to engage in advanced scientific fields and international collaboration.