Chairperson COMSATS, Briefs on the IGO’s Science, Technology, Innovation & Climate activities
Accra, Ghana : Executive Director Commission on Science and Technology for Sustainable Development in the South (COMSATS), Ambassador Dr. Mohammad Nafees Zakaria called on the President of the Republic of Ghana, John Dramani Mahama, the incumbent Chairperson of COMSATS. Ambassador Zakaria is currently in Accra, leading a four-member delegation of COMSATS Secretariat. The meeting held at the Jubilee House (Presidency) was also attended by Ghana’s Minister of Environment, Science and Technology (MEST), Emmanuel Armah Kofi Buah, Chief Director MEST, Madam Suweibatu Adam, and Director General, Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR), Prof. Paul Pinnock Bosu.
Ambassador Zakaria paid tribute to the conceiver of COMSATS idea, expressed profound gratitude for Ghana’s steadfast commitment to COMSATS as founding member and strong leadership as COMSATS’ Chair since 2012. He briefed on COMSATS’ ongoing programs and recent initiatives and sought guidance of the Chairperson. Apprised the Chairperson on the achievements made including ISO-certified Nanotechnology Lab, development of indigenous Electric Vehicle (EV) technology which meets international standards, supporting collaborative R&D, postgraduate scholarships, and capacity building activities. Aligning with the development priorities of Ghana, the Executive Director presented tailored technology-based solutions, inter alia, in Environment, Transport, Higher Education/Skills Development, and Energy sectors. Also offered expertise in Genomic Sequencing and TeleHealth.
Important matters related to the Commission’s General Meeting at the summit level in Ghana, expanding the membership of the Commission and COMSATS Network, deeper emphasis on environmental issues, and greater allocation of resources for regular undertaking of S&T activities to keep pace with emerging technologies, figured prominently during the meeting.
The President acknowledged COMSATS as an important intergovernmental organization and appreciated its role in leveraging science, technology and innovation for facilitating sustainable development across the Global South. He provided guidance to the Executive Director regarding various undertakings of the organization and strengthening cooperation among its 27 Member States. The President assured full support of his high office for Ghana’s active participation and support to COMSATS’ objectives.
Separately, the Executive Director held meetings with the Chief Director MEST and Director General CSIR, at the Ministry of Environment, S&T and CSIR, respectively. It was a very productive visit with multiple tangible outcomes.
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.
