ISLAMABAD: COMSTECH has launched Somalia Science and Technology Cooperation Programme jointly with the Embassy of the Republic of Somalia in Islamabad, and in coordination with the Pakistan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Ministry of Science & Technology.
Addressing the ceremony at COMSTECH Auditorium here on Friday, the Coordinator-General COMSTECH, Prof. Dr. M. Iqbal Choudhary emphasized the need for joint collaborative country-specific programmes to address the specific needs of each of the OIC member states with tailor-made solutions.
He appreciated the efforts of the Chargé de Affairs of Somalia, Shirwa Abdullahi Ibrahim and the coordination of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Ministry of Science and Technology, Pakistan, for launching this programme.
The Charge de Affairs appreciated the visionary initiative taken by the COMSTECH leadership to address the Science and Technology needs of his country. He thanked Prof. Choudhary for starting the country-specific programmes for OIC member states, specifically in the African continent. He said this programme will contribute further in mutual collaboration.
The High Commissioner of Pakistan in Nairobi, Kenya, Ms. Saqlain Syedah addressed the launching ceremony online and appreciated the COMSTECH initiative for Somalia and other African OIC member states.
The Rector of the University of Lahore, Dr. Muhammad Ashraf, applauded the efforts of COMSTECH for expanding collaborative programmes with African countries. He said that being a member of CCoE, the University of Lahore is an active partner in all its programmes. He informed that more than 500 foreign students including 360 African students are enrolled at the University of Lahore and it has also established a Medical College in Uganda.
Chairman, Association of Private Sector Universities of Pakistan, Prof. Dr. Ch. Abdul Rehman extended his heartfelt support on behalf of his university and the Association of Private Sector Universities to the COMSTECH-Somalia S&T Cooperation. He said he would foster scientific and technological advancements, promote collaboration, and contribute to the development and progress of Somalia and the entire OIC region.
The Ambassador of Pakistan to Niger, Ahmed Ali Sirohey and Justice Dr. Syed Mohammad Anwar Ali, Aalim Judge, Federal Shariat Court Islamabad appreciated the COMSTECH efforts for the S&T development in the OIC region and expressed their full support for COMSTECH programmes.
COMSTECH, in close coordination with the OIC General Secretariat, Jeddah, has launched several new initiatives and programmes for the capacity building of OIC states, particularly for the African OIC LDCs. Somalia, being one of the largest OIC member state in the African continent will play a leading role in implementation of COMSTECH programmes in the region.
Under this programme, top two Somalian universities will be able to join the COMSTECH Consortium of Excellence (CCoE) as an associate member. COMSTECH will offer 10 fellowships to the Somalian students, researchers and technical personnel, and in collaboration with the relevant institutions in Somalia, COMSTECH will organise thematic workshops and training courses on emerging technologies relevant to the national and regional needs.
COMSTECH, in collaboration with Islamic Development Bank and OIC General Secretariat, will conduct health camps for high-quality cataract services to improve vision-related quality of life and reduce blindness-related poverty. COMSTECH, in collaboration with the relevant institutions in Somalia and Pakistan, will also arrange training programmes in ophthalmology and neuro-critical care for Somalian healthcare providers.
Women in science fellowship programme will be launched in which Somalian women scientists will be able to conduct research studies in leading R&D institutions of Pakistan, and other COMSTECH member states.
COMSTECH in collaboration with local universities, will launch a skill development programme for technicians in different areas according to the need of the country.
This programme will enable the R&D institutions of Somalia to collaborate with CCoE institutions for exchange of knowledge, expertise, technology and resources to develop their capacities.
