Islamabad (TDI): The seventh Steering Committee Meeting on the implementation of the OIC Science, Technology and Innovation (STI) Agenda 2026 concluded on the OIC-COMSTECH Secretariat in Islamabad, bringing collectively senior officers from the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) General Secretariat and representatives of key OIC establishments.
The session centered on reviewing progress made beneath the STI Agenda 2026 because it enters its closing section, whereas outlining strategic instructions for the subsequent decade. Participants assessed achievements, mentioned implementation gaps, and emphasised the necessity for stronger coordination amongst member states.
In his welcome handle, Coordinator General COMSTECH Prof. Dr. Muhammad Iqbal Choudhary highlighted the evolution of the Steering Committee course of since 2019 and underscored the significance of this session in evaluating achievements and figuring out gaps. He famous progress in capability constructing, analysis collaboration, innovation assist, and institutional strengthening whereas additionally acknowledging persevering with disparities in implementation capacities amongst Member States.
Assistant Secretary-General for Science and Technology, Ambassador Aftab Ahmad Khokher, harassed the urgency of getting ready a complete implementation report forward of the 53rd session of the OIC Council of Foreign Ministers in Baghdad. He referred to as for readability on the report’s scope, methodology, and timeline and inspired members to take into account extending the STI framework past 2026 beneath a extra centered and results-oriented mannequin.
Read More: Kazakhstan Seeks Science and Higher Education Cooperation with OIC-COMSTECH
Brief displays had been delivered by establishments together with the Islamic Development Bank, Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization, SESRIC, COMCEC, and the Islamic Organization for Food Security, highlighting ongoing initiatives aligned with the twelve precedence areas of the Agenda.
On the second day, a statistical evaluate introduced by COMSTECH indicated a 27% improve in worldwide patents, a fourfold rise in analysis publications, and improved international college rankings amongst OIC Member States. However, individuals cautioned in opposition to widening technological gaps, significantly in rising domains akin to synthetic intelligence.
During its deliberations, the Steering Committee agreed that the OIC General Secretariat will search formal suggestions from member States on the implementation standing of the STI Agenda 2026. It was additionally determined that COMSTECH and SESRIC will collectively put together a complete, data-driven analysis report to guarantee an evidence-based evaluation whereas avoiding duplication of efforts.
Importantly, members agreed in precept on the necessity for a brand new ten-year framework, tentatively titled “OIC STI Agenda 2036.” The forthcoming framework will likely be ready by way of a consultative course of aligned with the OIC Programme of Action (2026–2035) and is anticipated to undertake a extra centered, project-based and measurable method. The Committee additional determined that an eighth Steering Committee Meeting will likely be convened, preceded by preparatory digital consultations, to finalize the draft implementation report for submission to the suitable OIC discussion board.
Read More: OIC-COMSTECH, Pathfinder CITADEL Host AI Conference, Announce Davos Representation
In their closing remarks, Ambassador Khokher and Prof. Choudhary thanked individuals for his or her constructive engagement and reaffirmed the collective resolve to strengthen science, expertise, and innovation cooperation throughout the OIC area.
Sohail Majeed
Sohail Majeed is a Special Correspondent at The Diplomatic Insight. He has twelve plus years of expertise in journalism & reporting. He covers International Affairs, Diplomacy, UN, Sports, Climate Change, Economy, Technology, and Health.