STAFF REPORT ISB: The 15th session of the general assembly of the OIC Standing Committee on Science and Technology (COMSTECH) decided to assist for augmentation of education and skills in the member states, with the mark of 50 universities of member states to be included in the rank of the top 500 universities.
The session concluded in Islamabad on June 1, 2016 with the adoption of resolutions that included a document on “Science and Technology in the OIC Countries: Goals, Priorities and Actions”, which identified specific goals and objectives.
Another important document endorsed by the Conference is COMSTECHs Ten-Year Plan for the Development of Science and Technology in Member States and its implementation.
In addition to the ranking of universities, the document also identified alleviating the effects of the looming crisis in water and food security in OIC member states as a goal, establishing an OIC task force on climate change, and facilitating programs and resources to manage the unfolding crisis in human health.
This document will further incorporate recommendations of the member states for consideration of the OIC Summit on Science and Technology to be held in Kazakhstan in 2017. COMSTECH will also submit to the Summit the finalized OIC Green Technology Blue Print for OIC member states.
Another important document endorsed by the Conference is COMSTECHs Ten-Year Plan for the Development of Science and Technology in Member States and its implementation.
Mohammad Ishaq Dar, Federal Minister of Finance, Revenue, Economic Affair, Statistics and Privatization while presiding over the closing ceremony announced that Pakistan will award 100 scholarships under the sponsorship of OIC Education Exchange Program for university students. Pakistan is also awarding 30 scholarships to students of OIC member states to study at National University of Sciences and technology through OIC Education Exchange Program.
The two-day conference was attended by 20 ministers, several deputy ministers and high-level officials from 39 OIC member states, OIC institutions, and international organizations. The conference had elected Pakistan as chair of its bureau; Palestine, Azerbaijan and Morocco as vice chair; and Gambia as rapporteur.