ISLAMABAD: The Organization of Islamic Cooperation’s (OIC) general secretariat in Jeddah, in collaboration with the OIC Ministerial Standing Committee on Scientific and Technological Cooperation (COMSTECH), is set to organize a meeting of water centers of excellence in OIC member states in Islamabad on Feb. 24-25, COMSTECH said on Sunday.
The OIC is the second-largest intergovernmental organization in the world, after the United Nations. It consists of 57 Muslim member states spread across four continents and is considered a collective voice of Muslim countries around the world.
Established by the OIC in 1981 and headquartered in Islamabad, COMSTECH continues to serve as a cornerstone of the OIC’s mission to promote scientific excellence and technological innovation, focusing on sustainable development, poverty reduction, and improvement in quality of life across member states.
The meeting in Islamabad this month aims to foster collaboration, knowledge-sharing, and coordinated action among leading water research and development institutions across OIC member states, according to COMSTECH.
“The meeting will bring together experts, policymakers, and representatives from water centers of excellence across the OIC region. The participants will discuss pressing water-related challenges and explore innovative solutions for sustainable water management,” the OIC body said in a statement.
“The event will host representatives from multiple countries, including Saudi Arabia, Algeria, Bangladesh, Benin, Burkina Faso, Cameroon, Egypt, Ivory Coast, Jordan, Kazakhstan, Kuwait, Malaysia, Mauritania, Morocco, Niger, Oman, Pakistan, Palestine, Qatar, Russia, Senegal, Somalia, Togo, Turkiye, Uzbekistan, UAE, and Yemen, among others.”
Water security remains a critical issue for many OIC member states, while challenges such as climate change, water scarcity, pollution and inefficient resource management continue to threaten economic and social development.
The inaugural networking event in Islamabad aims to strengthen institutional linkages, facilitate joint research initiatives, and enhance capacity-building efforts among member states, according to COMSTECH.
“The key objectives of this important meeting include establishing a collaborative network of water centers of excellence within the OIC framework, promoting knowledge exchange on best practices in water conservation, management, and policy development and strengthening cooperation between governments, research institutions, and international organizations for sustainable water solutions,” it said.
The event, featuring expert panel discussions, technical presentations and interactive networking sessions, will provide a platform for meaningful engagement and the development of long-term partnerships.
“As the host of this pivotal meeting, COMSTECH continues to play a leading role in enhancing scientific and technological cooperation among OIC member states,” COMSTECH said. “This initiative aligns with the broader objectives of the OIC in advancing science and technology for sustainable development.”
OIC, COMSTECH to hold inaugural meeting in Islamabad this month on water security in OIC states
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OIC, COMSTECH to hold inaugural meeting in Islamabad this month on water security in OIC states
- Water security remains a critical issue for many OIC member states as climate change, poor resource management continue to threaten economic development
- The networking event aims to strengthen institutional linkages, facilitate joint research initiatives, and enhance capacity-building efforts of OIC members
Pakistan backs Bahrain, calls for de-escalation as Iran war continues
- Dar speaks with Bahrain’s foreign minister, conveys concern over recent attacks in the Gulf
- Both officials call for regional peace a day after Bahrain’s oil exporter declared force majeure
ISLAMABAD: Pakistan called for dialogue and de-escalation to resolve the ongoing Iran war, an official statement said on Tuesday, expressing concern over its continuing spillover into neighboring Arab states following Tehran’s attacks in the Gulf region.
Tensions in the Gulf have surged since coordinated strikes by the United States and Israel against Iran on Feb. 28, diminishing prospects of a diplomatic settlement to Tehran’s long-running dispute with Western countries and Israel over its nuclear program.
Iran subsequently said it was targeting American military bases in Gulf states including the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain, Qatar, Kuwait and Jordan, prompting condemnations from those governments, which said several strikes had hit civilian infrastructure.
Pakistan condemned both the initial strikes on Iran and Tehran’s retaliatory attacks across the region, urging all sides to halt hostilities.
“Deputy Prime Minister / Foreign Minister Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar @MIshaqDar50 spoke late last night with Bahrain’s Foreign Minister H. E. Abdullatif bin Rashid Al Zayani,” Pakistan’s foreign office said in a social media post. “They exchanged views on the developments in the Middle East and the wider region, conveying grave concern over recent attacks, including in Bahrain.”
“DPM/FM reaffirmed Pakistan’s solidarity with Bahrain and its people, highlighting the need for de-escalation, dialogue, and efforts for peace and stability in the region,” it added.
The Iran war has disrupted regional energy infrastructure and oil trade.
Bahrain’s state oil company Bapco declared force majeure on its group operations on Friday following an attack on its refinery complex.
Bapco is a major exporter of fuels including diesel, jet fuel and naphtha to markets across the Middle East and Asia.
On Tuesday, Iran launched fresh attacks in Dubai, in the United Arab Emirates, and Bahrain.
Saudi Arabia also said it had destroyed two drones over its oil-rich eastern region and Kuwait’s National Guard said it had shot down six drones.
Dar told Pakistan’s Senate earlier this month that the government was actively striving to defuse tensions in the region. He has also remained in touch with top officials in both Iran and Arab countries.
