Islamabad: The OIC Standing Committee on Scientific and Technological Cooperation (COMSTECH) hosted an International Dialogue on Higher Education and Science: Roadmap for Future at its Secretariat in Islamabad, bringing together leading scholars, policymakers, education experts, and diplomats to discuss the evolving landscape of higher education, science, and innovation across the OIC region.
The Chief Guest, H.E. Prof. Dr. Bibi Ameenah Firdaus Gurib-Fakim, Former President of the Republic of Mauritius, delivered the keynote address, emphasizing the critical need for global collaboration in science, technology, and higher education. She highlighted the importance of tackling pressing challenges such as climate change, food security, and energy transition through innovation and investment in knowledge ecosystems that empower youth and drive inclusive development.
During the event, Prof. Dr. Shahid Mahmud, Senior Honorary Advisor, OIC-COMSTECH, presented his talk, 'AI Connecting Humans with Nature Skills: Building the Future for Gen Alpha,' underlining the growing intersection of artificial intelligence, nature, and human creativity. He stressed that future generations must acquire adaptive and hybrid skills to coexist effectively with intelligent technologies.
Prof. Dr. Syed Sohail Hussain Naqvi, Chairperson, Knowledge Streams, delivered a presentation titled 'Universities Building Economies,' highlighting the pivotal role of universities as engines of economic transformation and innovation-led growth. He urged universities to evolve from traditional teaching institutions into dynamic hubs of knowledge creation, entrepreneurship, and societal impact.
In his welcome remarks, Prof. Dr. M. Iqbal Choudhary, Coordinator General, OIC-COMSTECH, noted that the dialogue aimed to foster discussions on education equity, quality improvement, and international cooperation for sustainable development in the OIC region. He emphasized that education and science remain powerful tools for social transformation, capable of addressing global challenges such as hunger, poverty, disease, and climate change.
Prof. Choudhary further highlighted that socioeconomic development today is driven by knowledge and innovation rather than natural resources, citing China as an example where education and science have transformed economies and lifted millions out of poverty. He called on universities to prepare Gen Alpha for lifelong learning, adaptability, and innovation while reaffirming COMSTECH's commitment to strengthening science and technology collaboration across member states.
The event concluded with a vote of thanks by Prof. Dr. Mudassir Asrar, Adviser, Science Policy, OIC-COMSTECH, followed by a group photo and hi-tea.
Speaking to the media after the event, Prof. Dr. Bibi Ameenah Firdaus Gurib-Fakim lauded OIC-COMSTECH's role in fostering science, technology, and higher education collaboration among OIC countries. She emphasized the need for enhanced cooperation in agriculture, education, medicine, maritime sciences, and energy, underlining that shared knowledge and innovation are key to sustainable growth across the Islamic world.