KARACHI: The OIC Standing Committee on Scientific and Technological Cooperation (COMSTECH) plans to hold its 16th general assembly in Islamabad in May 2025, a statement from the organization said on Friday, as it eyes promoting educational initiatives among member states.
COMSTECH is an intergovernmental organization established by the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) in 1981. It aims to promote and coordinate science and technology activities among OIC member states, focusing on sustainable development, poverty reduction, and improving the quality of life.
The COMSTECH general assembly is chaired by Pakistan’s president every two years in Islamabad where its budget and programs are discussed at length.
COMSTECH Coordinator General Dr. Iqbal Choudhry met OIC Secretary General Hissein Brahim Taha in Jeddah to discuss enhancing science and technology, and educational initiatives throughout OIC member countries, COMSTECH said.
“Key discussions centered on COMSTECH’s new initiatives including hosting the First Extraordinary Conference of Ministers of Higher Education dedicated to supporting Palestinian students and addressing the education crisis, scheduling the 16th General Assembly of COMSTECH during May 2025 at Islamabad,” COMSTECH said.
The statement added that discussions were also held about launching fellowships for Palestinian students at the OIC headquarters in Jeddah.
Other initiatives that came under discussion were the COMSTECH expert service that advises OIC member states, establishing a halal products testing and standard center at the King Faisal University in Chad, and the COMSTECH-CHAD program for the promotion of science and technology.
The OIC secretary general commended Dr. Choudhry’s initiatives, expressing his gratitude to the Pakistani government for supporting COMSTECH’s vision to uplift science and technology in OIC member states, the organization said.
“This collaboration signifies a robust commitment to addressing educational and scientific challenges while fostering development and innovation within the OIC framework,” the statement concluded.
