OIC-COMSTECH Advocates for Stronger Scientific Ties with Germany
In a significant move to bolster international research efforts, Prof. Dr. Muhammad Iqbal Choudhary, Coordinator General of OIC-COMSTECH, highlighted the critical need for enhanced scientific and research collaboration between leading German institutions and the member states of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC). This emphasis came during a productive meeting held on Tuesday with Her Excellency Saqlain Syedah, Ambassador of Pakistan to Germany, at the Embassy of Pakistan in Berlin.
Constructive Dialogue on Academic and Research Partnerships
The meeting facilitated a constructive exchange of views, focusing on ways to strengthen academic partnerships, research cooperation, and scientific mobility between German organizations and OIC member states. Prof. Choudhary expressed his gratitude for the Ambassador's warm hospitality and welcomed the opportunity to explore potential collaborations with prominent German research bodies, including the Leibniz Association, Max Planck Society, Fraunhofer Society, and Helmholtz Association.
He underscored that such partnerships could play a pivotal role in building scientific capacity across OIC nations, with a particular focus on supporting Least Developed Countries (LDCs) in Africa. This initiative aims to address global challenges and foster sustainable development through shared knowledge and resources.
Proposed Initiatives for Long-Term Cooperation
During the discussions, Prof. Choudhary put forward several key proposals to institutionalize and deepen the collaboration. He suggested the establishment of a structured COMSTECH-Germany science partnership in collaboration with the German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD), designed to promote enduring academic and research ties.
Additionally, he emphasized the importance of launching joint priority research programmes in critical areas such as renewable energy, climate change, health sciences, artificial intelligence, and water security. These efforts are aligned with the Sustainable Development Goals, aiming to tackle pressing global issues through innovative scientific solutions.
Enhancing Access and Mobility in STEM Education
The proposed collaboration also includes plans to expand scholarships and research mobility through co-branded fellowships and academic exchange programmes. Prof. Choudhary highlighted the potential of exploring elements from the German-Jordanian University model to improve access to STEM education for refugees and host communities within OIC member states, thereby fostering inclusivity and skill development.
Furthermore, he proposed institutionalizing an annual Germany-COMSTECH Science Policy Dialogue. This dialogue would aim to strengthen science diplomacy, innovation cooperation, and sustainable development efforts, creating a platform for ongoing strategic discussions.
Invitation for Further Engagement
To advance this important initiative, Prof. Choudhary extended an invitation to Ambassador Saqlain Syedah to visit the headquarters of OIC-COMSTECH in Islamabad during her next visit to Pakistan. This visit would provide an opportunity to discuss practical pathways and concrete steps for implementing the proposed collaborations, ensuring that the dialogue translates into actionable outcomes for scientific progress across OIC member states.
