Islamabad, January 11, 2025 – The Secretary-General of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), Hussein Ibrahim Taha, visited the headquarters of the Ministerial Standing Committee on Scientific and Technological Cooperation (COMSTECH) in Islamabad, Pakistan, today. This visit underscores the growing importance of science and technology within the OIC and highlights the commitment to advancing these fields as a means of overcoming the key challenges facing member states.
During his address, Secretary-General Taha emphasized the critical need for collaboration among OIC member states in the areas of science, technology, and innovation. He highlighted that such cooperation is essential for addressing the pressing issues that hinder progress across the Islamic world, such as economic development, public health, and technological disparities. Taha also lauded COMSTECH’s exceptional contributions to the scientific and technological landscape, noting that its pioneering initiatives have significantly empowered individuals and societies in the OIC region.
A central focus of Taha’s speech was the launch of the Science and Technology Advancement Initiative, a new program aimed at enhancing self-reliance in technology within OIC member states. This initiative seeks to promote sustainable development by fostering technological innovation and mitigating the issue of brain drain, which has long affected the region. Taha urged all member states to actively support and engage in these programs, recognizing that the collective efforts of OIC countries are crucial for creating a robust knowledge-based economy.
The initiative is designed to mobilize expertise from across the Islamic world to tackle some of the most pressing challenges in areas such as healthcare, agriculture, energy, and education. By leveraging the region’s intellectual and technical resources, the initiative aims to foster collaboration and mutual progress, ultimately advancing the OIC’s overarching goals of economic diversification and sustainable development. The Secretary-General’s call for action reflected his vision of a united and progressive Islamic world, where cooperation in science and technology becomes a driving force for collective prosperity.
Secretary-General Taha’s visit and the announcement of the Science and Technology Advancement Initiative mark a significant step in strengthening the OIC’s focus on science and technology as a key pillar for achieving long-term progress and self-sufficiency within its member states. Through these efforts, the OIC is committed to addressing the complex challenges facing the Islamic world while enhancing its collective capabilities in the global knowledge economy.