OIC Secretary General Commends COMSTECH Efforts for Development of Science and Technology in the OIC Member States

Addressing the opening session of the 36th Council of Foreign Ministers of the OIC member states which was held from May 23-25 in Damascus, the capital city of the Syrian Arabic Republic, H.E. Prof. Ekmeleddin Ihsanoglu, the Secretary-General of the Organization of Islamic Conference (OIC) commended efforts being rendered by the COMSTECH for science and technology development in the OIC member states.

He highlighted major advancements and activities undertaken in the field of science and technology with special reference to the OIC Ten-Year Program of Action. He also spoke on a host of other issues facing the Ummah.

While referring to the utmost need to equip the OIC nations with latest knowledge and technology, the OIC Secretary General appreciated the achievements made through the Ten-Year Program of Action which suggested a detailed course of action for self-reliance through adoption of latest knowledge in the field of science and technology. COMSTECH is one of the bodies working towards the implementation of science-related provisions of this program.

“Ten-Year Program of Action has managed to set up concept of a unified and mutually supportive Islamic world that is capable of facing the challenges [of today]. We have stimulated quality education and seen to the evolvement of joint initiatives in the field of science and technology.” said the Secretary General.

While appreciating member states that are committed to the implementation of the Ten-Year Program of Action, The Secretary General urged all the member states to speed up their efforts and collaboration in order to achieve the goals stipulated in the this visionary and action-oriented program.

“I would like to propose holding a mid-term review meeting in 2010 with regard to the progress made in implementing this program, during the meetings of COMIAC [Standing Committee on Culture and Information], COMCEC [Standing Committee for Economic and Commercial Cooperation] and COMSTECH (Standing Committee on Scientific and Technological Cooperation), to which we extend our thanks and gratitude for the commendable efforts they are making in their respective fields of activity.”, The Secretary General said further.

“In the domain of science and technology, the Plan of Action for cars and airplanes has been completed, thanks to financial support from the IDB (Islamic Development Bank), and the Islamic Chamber of Commerce and Industry which has created a joint capital for science and technology to be added to the capital earmarked by the IDB to science and technology projects.” The secretary General informed the foreign ministers.

Reported by: Ameen Amjad