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ISLAMABAD, Nov 11 (APP):The OIC Standing Committee on Scientific and Technological Cooperation (COMSTECH) Tuesday hosted an International Dialogue on Higher Education and Science: Roadmap for Future at its Secretariat in Islamabad, bringing together leading academics, policymakers, education experts, and diplomats from across the OIC member states to discuss future directions for scientific and educational collaboration.
The event served as a high-level platform to explore how science, technology, and innovation can accelerate socioeconomic progress across the Islamic world.
Participants emphasized that sustainable development in the 21st century depends not on natural resources but on investment in human capital, research, and innovation.
Delivering the keynote address, Prof. Dr. Bibi Ameenah Firdaus Gurib-Fakim, Former President of the Republic of Mauritius, called for stronger global collaboration in education, science, and technology to tackle pressing global challenges including climate change, food insecurity, and energy transition. She urged developing countries to create inclusive innovation ecosystems to empower their youth and promote equitable growth.
Prof. Dr. M. Iqbal Choudhary, Coordinator General, OIC-COMSTECH, in his welcome address, highlighted that education and science remain the most powerful tools for social transformation.
He stressed that the path to development lies in creating a knowledge-driven economy, citing the example of China where science and education have been pivotal in eradicating poverty and driving innovation.
He reaffirmed COMSTECH’s commitment to enhancing cooperation in higher education, science, and technology among OIC member states.
In his presentation on “AI Connecting Humans with Nature Skills: Building the Future for Gen Alpha,” Prof. Dr. Shahid Mahmud, Senior Honorary Advisor, OIC-COMSTECH, discussed the growing convergence between artificial intelligence, human creativity, and nature.
He emphasized that future generations must develop adaptive skills to thrive in an AI-integrated world.
Meanwhile, Prof. Dr. Syed Sohail Hussain Naqvi, Chairperson, Knowledge Streams, spoke on “Universities Building Economies,” underscoring the evolving role of universities as engines of economic and social transformation.
He advocated for a shift from traditional academic models toward innovation-led, entrepreneurial ecosystems that contribute directly to national development.
The event concluded with a vote of thanks by Prof. Dr. Mudassir Asrar, Adviser, Science Policy, OIC-COMSTECH, followed by a group photograph and hi-tea.
Speaking to the media, Prof. Dr. Gurib-Fakim lauded COMSTECH’s efforts to strengthen scientific and educational cooperation among OIC countries.
She emphasized the importance of collaboration in key sectors including agriculture, education, medicine, maritime sciences, and energy, noting that “shared knowledge and innovation are essential for sustainable growth across the Islamic world.”