Islamabad: An international conference on “Strengthening STI Policy Implementation for Achieving the SDGs Challenges and Pathways to Solutions” was held at the COMSTECH Secretariat. Jointly organised by OIC-COMSTECH and COMSATS University Islamabad, the event brought together academics, researchers, policymakers and students from Pakistan and abroad, with several participants joining online.
Speaking on behalf of the Coordinator General OIC-COMSTECH Prof Dr. M. Iqbal Choudhary, , Adviser Science Policy OIC-COMSTECH Prof. Dr. Mudassir Asrar highlighted the growing pressures of climate change, food and energy insecurity, and public-health vulnerabilities faced by developing countries. She said these challenges underscored the need to strengthen national Science Technology and Innovation (STI) systems.
She added that COMSTECH’s mandate focuses on fostering cooperation, building technical capacity and supporting member states through training, research mobility and knowledge-sharing initiatives. Conveying the Coordinator General’s message, she said that more coordinated, mission-oriented STI approaches were essential for achieving sustainable development across the OIC region.
The conference featured themed sessions in which speakers examined policy gaps, institutional challenges and regional experiences in STI implementation.
From COMSATS University, Dr Hammad Omer discussed conceptual models for aligning STI policies with the SDGs, while Dr Kalsoom Sumra reviewed continental policy frameworks and their relevance for developing regions.
Addressing youth-related challenges, Prof Dr Muazzam Khattak of Quaid-i-Azam University called for stronger innovation and entrepreneurship ecosystems. In another session, Dr Tariq Mahmood Ali of the Health Services Academy emphasised the need for evidence-based research to inform policy decisions.
Dr Ismaila Diallo, Regional Advisor for OIC- Africa and outlined recurring constraints that hinder STI policy implementation across OIC countries. Dr Javeria Ambreen of COMSATS University highlighted gender disparities within STI institutions and the importance of greater inclusion of women.
Sharing regional case studies, Dr Mitra Aminlou from Iran’s National Research Institute for Science Policy discussed examples of policy successes and failures. Dr Khaleel Malik from the University of Manchester, UK, spoke on the role of university–industry collaboration in strengthening innovation capacity.
In the concluding session, Dr Diallo presented a draft framework intended to support OIC member states in the development and execution of effective STI policies. Participants noted that while many countries had formulated national STI strategies, implementation gaps persisted and required stronger institutional support and wider stakeholder engagement.
Sohail Majeed is a Special Correspondent at The Diplomatic Insight. He has twelve plus years of experience in journalism & reporting. He covers International Affairs, Diplomacy, UN, Sports, Climate Change, Economy, Technology, and Health.
