ISLAMABAD, Oct 13 (APP): OIC-COMSTECH and the Developing-8 Organization for Economic Cooperation (D-8) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding to strengthen cooperation in science, technology and innovation and translate scientific collaboration into tangible economic and development benefits for their member states.
The MoU was signed here Tuesday during a virtual ceremony by Coordinator General OIC-COMSTECH Prof. Dr. Muhammad Iqbal Choudhary and D-8 Secretary-General Ambassador Sohail Mahmood, marking a new institutional partnership between the two organizations.
Under the agreement, OIC-COMSTECH and D-8 will work together in priority areas including agriculture and food security, energy and minerals, environmental sustainability, artificial intelligence, digital transformation and emerging technologies
The partnership will also focus on joint research, capacity-building, professional and technical training, youth empowerment, exchange of expertise and stronger linkages among universities, research institutions and centres of excellence.
D-8 Secretary-General Ambassador Sohail Mahmood highlighted OIC-COMSTECH’s extensive experience in promoting scientific and technological cooperation among OIC member states, describing it as a valuable partner for advancing D-8’s science, technology and innovation agenda.
He said science and technology were becoming increasingly important for economic growth, improved productivity and addressing common development challenges. He expressed confidence that cooperation with OIC-COMSTECH would also contribute to the objectives of the D-8 Decennial Roadmap 2020–2030, particularly sustainable economic development and technological progress.
The two organizations will seek to develop a practical framework for exchanging scientific knowledge and expertise, undertaking collaborative research and strengthening institutional capacities across their respective networks.
Existing mechanisms, including the D-8 Network of Pioneers for Research and Innovation (D-8 NPRI) and OIC-COMSTECH’s scientific, academic and capacity-building platforms, will be utilized to develop joint initiatives and encourage the practical application of research and technological innovation.
The agreement is also expected to create greater opportunities for universities, scientists, researchers and young professionals from member countries to engage in collaborative programmes, technical exchanges and innovation-oriented activities.
The signing represents an important step in strengthening institutional ties between OIC-COMSTECH and D-8 and reflects their shared commitment to using science, technology and innovation as drivers of sustainable development, economic transformation and shared prosperity.
Source: APP (Associated Press of Pakistan)
