COMSTECH

04/11/2025

COMSTECH Forum on Environment and Ecosystem Restoration Launched
Hybrid Webinar on Innovative Technologies for Recycling of Liquid and Solid Wastes: An Alternative for Protecting the Environment and Driving Economic Growth

The OIC Standing Committee on Scientific and Technological Cooperation (COMSTECH) launched its Forum on Environment and Ecosystem Restoration with a hybrid webinar on innovative technologies for recycling liquid and solid waste , emphasizing sustainable solutions for environmental protection and economic growth.

In his opening address, H.E. Prof. Dr. M. Iqbal Choudhary, Coordinator General of OIC-COMSTECH, highlighted that waste, once seen as a burden, has now become a strategic resource through technological transformation. He emphasized that the accelerating pace of population growth and consumption demands innovative, science-based solutions for waste management. Prof. Choudhary stressed that technological transformation, through artificial intelligence, robotics, and clean energy conversion, can turn waste into opportunity, driving green innovation and supporting the circular economy across OIC member states.

Prof. Choudhary further underscored that COMSTECH’s newly launched Forum aims to foster international collaboration, promote policy dialogue, and enhance capacity building for environmental protection and ecosystem restoration. He called for stronger political will, scientific cooperation, and citizen participation to collectively address the global waste challenge and ensure a sustainable future.

Distinguished speakers included Prof. Bayu Indrawan (Indonesia), Prof. Godfrey Nzamujo (Benin), and Prof. Muhammad Arshad (Pakistan), who presented cutting-edge technologies for waste-to-energy conversion, bio-decomposer solutions, and sustainable agricultural enhancement.

COMSTECH reaffirmed its commitment to promoting clean technology transfer, scientific collaboration, and community engagement among OIC member states, paving the way toward a cleaner, circular, and sustainable future.

03/11/2025

https://una-oic.org/en/media-coverage/comstec-covers/2025/11/02/UNESCO-awards-the-Standing-Committee-for-Cooperation/

Islamabad (UNA) – The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) has officially granted observer status to the Standing Committee on Scientific and Technological Cooperation of the Organization

03/11/2025

31/10/2025

COMSTECH WEBINAR on “Building resilient research institutions to undertake impactful science: experiences from South Africa”
Date: 12th nov, 2025 at 03:00 PM (PST)

Guest Speaker: Prof. Dr. Quarraisha Abdool Karim, FRS, President of The World Academy of Sciences

For registration Click Here

https://comstech.org/comstech-webinar-on-building-resilient-research-institutions/

30/10/2025

Some Glimpses from the 2nd Week (Oct 22nd to 28th) of the COMSTECH–PCMD International Training Course on Virology and Pandemic Preparedness

Happening at the PCMD, International Center for Chemical and Biological Sciences (ICCBS), University of Karachi

This six-week intensive training program, jointly organized by OIC-COMSTECH and The Panjwani Center for Molecular Medicine and Drug Research (PCMD), brings together over 15 participants from 12 OIC member countries.

The course aims to strengthen scientific capacity, enhance diagnostic skills, and promote collaboration in virology and pandemic preparedness across the Islamic world.

At COMSTECH, we remain committed to empowering young researchers and building resilience through knowledge, innovation, and scientific cooperation.

30/10/2025

COMSTECH–Ningbo University Joint Training Program in Aerospace Biomedicine, Pharmaceuticals, & Artificial Intelligence Launched

October 30, 2025:
The Ningbo University-COMSTECH Joint Training Program in Aerospace Biomedicine, Pharmaceuticals, and Artificial Intelligence was launched at the Institute of Drug Discovery Technology, Ningbo University, Zhejiang, China. The initiative marks a significant milestone in strengthening cooperation between the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) member states and China in advanced scientific and technological fields.

In his remarks, H.E. Mr. Aftab Ahmad Khokher, Assistant Secretary-General of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), emphasized that this partnership reflects the OIC’s vision of fostering science diplomacy and South-South cooperation, which play a vital role in achieving sustainable development and technological advancement across member states. He commended Ningbo University and the Government of China for their continued support to OIC initiatives in science and innovation, highlighting this collaboration as a model of constructive international engagement.

The event was also addressed by the Coordinator General of OIC-COMSTECH, Prof. Dr. Muhammad Iqbal Choudhary, who lauded the initiative as a visionary step to strengthen research, education, and innovation capacities within the OIC region. He stated that the program provides young scientists from OIC member countries,including Pakistan, Azerbaijan, Egypt, Bangladesh, Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, and Indonesia, with exposure to cutting-edge research and advanced laboratories at Ningbo University.

He further noted that the joint program aligns with the OIC Science, Technology, and Innovation Agenda 2026–2036, aiming to empower researchers and promote innovation-driven economies across the Islamic world. The initiative is part of COMSTECH’s broader collaboration with Chinese institutions, following earlier successful programs such as the COMSTECH–Hunan University of Chinese Medicine Joint Technicians Training Programme, which trained researchers from multiple OIC countries in advanced biomedical and technical sciences.

The inauguration ceremony featured speeches by senior reputed academician Zhao Yufen, Dean of the Institute of Drug Discovery Technology, Pan Feng, Deputy Director of Ningbo University’s International Office, and Huang Shaohua, Executive Vice Dean of the Institute.

Foreign dignitaries and Chinese faculty attended the event, alongside participants from several OIC member countries, including senior scientists, assistant professors, postdoctoral researchers, and students. The training program aims to develop skills and foster collaboration in emerging disciplines such as aerospace medicine, AI-driven pharmaceutical innovation, and biomedical technology.
Prof. Liu Xinmin, Chief Scientist at the Institute of Drug Discovery Technology, Ningbo University, played a key role in the conception and coordination of the training program. His scientific leadership and expertise in biomedical research have been instrumental in shaping the curriculum and technical content of the program.
Both OIC-COMSTECH and Ningbo University leaders reaffirmed their commitment to expanding this partnership into joint laboratories, dual-degree programs, and innovation platforms, laying the foundation for long-term cooperation in science and technology between the Islamic world and China.

29/10/2025

Coordinator General OIC-COMSTECH Highlights Science and Technology’s Role in Sustainable Food Systems at Makerere University, Uganda

Kampala, Uganda: October 28, 2025,
The International Conference and Training Workshop on “Food Systems Transformation for Climate Actions” (ICTW-FSTCA 2025) was inaugurated today at Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda, under the COMSTECH Forum on Environment and Ecosystem Restoration (CFEER). The event is jointly organized by the Organization of Islamic Cooperation’s Standing Committee on Scientific and Technological Cooperation (OIC-COMSTECH), the Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO), and Makerere University, with in-kind support from the Islamic University in Uganda.

Distinguished guests attending the inaugural session included H.E. Mr. Muhammad Hassan Wazir, High Commissioner of Pakistan to Uganda; H.E. Professor Barnabas Nawangwe, Vice Chancellor of Makerere University; Dr. Rosie Agoi, Secretary General of the Uganda National Commission for UNESCO/ICESCO; and Dr. M. Sharif, Advisor for Science and Technology at ICESCO.

In his inaugural address, Prof. Dr. M. Iqbal Choudhary, Coordinator General OIC-COMSTECH, warmly welcomed participants from across the OIC region and beyond, commending Makerere University for hosting this important event. He noted that the workshop has participation from more than twenty-seven OIC member and observer states, including Afghanistan, Algeria, Azerbaijan, Bangladesh, Egypt, Indonesia, Iran, Malaysia, Nigeria, Pakistan, Palestine, Sudan, Tanzania, Uganda, and several others. The event aims to strengthen knowledge exchange and collaboration on sustainable food systems, climate action, and agricultural innovation.

Prof. Choudhary highlighted that the training program focuses on key thematic areas such as biomimicry and eco-literacy, climate-smart agriculture, sustainable food systems, energy in agriculture, and nutrition and health. He emphasized the crucial role of science, technology, and innovation in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals, particularly those related to food security, environmental sustainability, and economic resilience.

Drawing from his personal experience, Prof. Choudhary shared insights from his visit to the Songhai Center in West Africa, which he described as a living example of “science at work,” where nature’s perfection combined with human ingenuity to address food insecurity, resource depletion, and climate challenges.

He further elaborated on the establishment of the COMSTECH Forum on Environment and Ecosystem Restoration (CFEER) in 2022, which aims to foster South-South and triangular cooperation among OIC member states on climate change, biodiversity, the food-water-energy nexus, and ecosystem restoration. The forum operates within the framework of the Paris Climate Agreement, the UN 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, and the UN Decade on Ecosystem Restoration (2021–2030).

Prof. Choudhary reaffirmed COMSTECH’s commitment to strengthening regional cooperation and networking among stakeholders, promoting science, technology, and innovation for environmental sustainability, enhancing training and capacity-building programs, and developing adaptable solutions to meet challenges in climate change adaptation and ecosystem restoration. He also underlined COMSTECH’s dedication to establishing partnerships and collaborative initiatives that can contribute to environmental protection and sustainable agricultural practices across the OIC region.

He concluded his remarks by expressing confidence that this workshop will inspire participants to become future leaders in green entrepreneurship and sustainable agriculture, advancing the shared vision of a resilient, food-secure, and sustainable OIC region.

The three-day conference and training workshop will continue until October 30, 2025, featuring expert lectures, interactive discussions, and capacity-building sessions led by international specialists in sustainable food systems and climate action.

29/10/2025

On the historic celebration of the 102nd Republic Day of the Republic of Türkiye, I extend my warmest greetings to the great nation of Türkiye.
Türkiye remains among the most advanced and forward-looking OIC member states in science, technology, and innovation. COMSTECH deeply values its strategic partnership with Türkiye, and we take pride in the strong participation of leading Turkish universities in the COMSTECH Consortium of Excellence (CCoE).

On behalf of COMSTECH and my entire team, I reaffirm our unwavering commitment to expanding collaboration with Türkiye for the collective scientific progress and socio-economic prosperity of the OIC community.

Long live Türkiye–OIC–COMSTECH cooperation.

With Best Regards
H.E. Prof. Dr. M. Iqbal Choudhary,
Mustafa (P.B.U.H) Prize Laureate, H.I., S.I., T.I
Coordinator General, OIC-COMSTECH
Türkiye in Pakistan

24/10/2025

Strengthening Bonds of Knowledge: Gaza-Palestine University Leaders Conclude Landmark Visit to Pakistan

24th October 2025: The Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) Standing Committee on Scientific and Technological Cooperation, COMSTECH successfully facilitated the first-ever visit of a high-level delegation of Vice Chancellors and academic leaders from leading universities of Gaza-Palestine to Pakistan from 16–23 October 2025.

The distinguished Palestinian delegation represented the University of Palestine, Al-Aqsa University, Islamic University of Gaza (IUG), Al-Azhar University, Israa University, and Gaza University.

During the visit, the delegation participated in the Palestine-Pakistan Vice Chancellors Forum and witnessed the signing of a landmark Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) at the OIC-COMSTECH Secretariat, Islamabad, aimed at strengthening short and long term academic and scientific collaboration between the two sides.

The delegation also visited several leading Pakistani universities and member institutions of the COMSTECH Consortium of Excellence (CCOE) in Islamabad, Taxila, Faisalabad, and Lahore, where they held productive meetings to explore collaborative avenues for the restructuring and rehabilitation of Gaza’s higher education and health sectors.

The leadership of OIC-COMSTECH and partner Pakistani universities expressed their solidarity with the people of Gaza-Palestine, reaffirming their commitment to support through capacity building, scholarships, fellowships, joint research & academic exchange programmes, providing required expertise, access to digital resources, and assistannce in online education aimed at rebuilding Gaza’s education and research infrastructure.

The visiting delegation from Gaza-Palestine termed the visit extremely productive and inspiring, and extended heartfelt thanks for the warm welcome, generous hospitality, and strong expression of solidarity shown by OIC-COMSTECH and the academic leadership of Pakistan.

This historic visit marks a new chapter of enduring partnership and academic cooperation between Palestine and Pakistan, under the visionary leadership and facilitation of OIC-COMSTECH.

24/10/2025

5-Day COMSTECH Webinar Series on Optical Forces on Atoms Successfully Concluded at COMSTECH
Islamabad, October 24th, 2025

A five-day COMSTECH webinar series on “Optical Forces on Atoms” was successfully concluded at the COMSTECH Secretariat. The series was delivered by Prof. Dr. Farhan Saif (S.I., P.O.P) from the Department of Electronics, Quaid-i-Azam University, Islamabad.

The program aimed to familiarize participants with the fundamental and advanced concepts of light–matter interaction, optical forces, atomic dynamics, and emerging quantum technologies. It provided valuable insights into the latest developments in quantum science and fostered constructive academic interaction among researchers, students, and young professionals.

All webinar recordings will be available on COMSTECH’s YouTube channel, and the link will be shared soon. Certificates of participation were distributed among attendees upon the successful completion of the series.

23/10/2025

Opening Ceremony of the 35th National and 23rd International Chemistry Conference at GCU Faisalabad

The Opening Ceremony of the 23rd International Conference on Chemistry (CHEMCON-2025), held under the theme “The Role of Chemistry for Sustainable Development,” was organized by the Department of Chemistry, Government College University Faisalabad (GCUF), Pakistan.

His Excellency Prof. Dr. M. Iqbal Choudhary, Coordinator General of the OIC Standing Committee on Scientific and Technological Cooperation (OIC-COMSTECH), was represented by Dr. Akim Socohou Moutala, Senior Program Manager at OIC-COMSTECH, during the ceremony held at GCU Faisalabad.

In his address, Dr. Akim Socohou conveyed the congratulations and best wishes of Prof. Dr. M. Iqbal Choudhary to the organizers, acknowledging their efforts in promoting scientific collaboration and research. He emphasized the fundamental importance of chemistry as a discipline interconnected with other applied sciences, playing a vital role in achieving sustainable development in today’s rapidly advancing technological era. He also highlighted the crucial contributions of OIC-COMSTECH across its 57 member states and 5 observer states, particularly in fostering science diplomacy initiatives in Pakistan.

As a Keynote Speaker, Dr. Akim presented the findings of his postdoctoral research conducted under the supervision of Prof. Dr. M. Iqbal Choudhary’s research group at the International Center for Chemical and Biological Sciences (ICCBS), University of Karachi. His presentation was titled “Quantitative Assessment of Biofilm Formation of Staphylococcus spp. Strains Isolated in Hospitals in Benin (West Africa).”

22/10/2025

OIC-COMSTECH Co-organizes the UTB Science, Technology and Engineering Connect 2025 (UTB-STE Connect 2025), Brunei Darussalam , 20–22 October 2025.
The OIC Standing Committee on Scientific and Technological Cooperation (OIC-COMSTECH) participated as a Co-organizer in the UTB Science, Technology and Engineering Connect 2025 (UTB-STE Connect 2025), hosted by Universiti Teknologi Brunei (UTB) from 20 to 22 October 2025.
Held under the theme “Technology Innovations for a Sustainable Future,” the biennial flagship STE congress brought together academics, scientists, researchers, engineers, policymakers, and industry leaders to share expertise, exchange ideas, and explore innovative solutions to global sustainability challenges. The three-day event featured a rich programme of five conferences and six thematic events, providing a dynamic platform for interdisciplinary dialogue and collaboration.
As part of this prestigious congress, OIC-COMSTECH, in collaboration with the Centre for Green Technology and Sustainability Research (GreenTeXS) of UTB, jointly organized a Capacity Building Training Workshop on “Green Audit: Pathways to a Low Carbon Future.”
In his opening remarks, Prof. Dr. M. Iqbal Choudhary, Coordinator General of OIC-COMSTECH, emphasized the strategic importance of green auditing as a tool for advancing environmental accountability and sustainable development. He underlined the pivotal role of universities as knowledge generators and reaffirmed OIC-COMSTECH’s unwavering commitment to promoting Science, Technology, and Innovation (STI) across OIC Member States.
OIC-COMSTECH was represented by Engr. Renaud Makaka, Senior Technical Manager, who led a technical and practical session on “Green Audit: Data Collection, Analysis, Reporting and Recommendations,” alongside other international experts.