Islamabad (GNP): The World Science Day for Peace and Development 2026 is being commemorated in Islamabad under the global theme “Common Ground Through Science Diplomacy”, with the aim of promoting international scientific cooperation, strengthening dialogue among nations and highlighting the role of science in achieving peace and sustainable development.
The high-level national event is being organized by the Pakistan Science Foundation (PSF) in collaboration with United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), the Ministry of Science and Technology (MoST), Pakistan Science Foundation (PSF), Economic Cooperation Organization Science Foundation (ECOSF), Commission on Science and Technology for Sustainable Development in the South (COMSATS), and Pakistan Academy of Sciences (PAS). The event is being held at the Auditorium, Ministry of Science and Technology, Islamabad.
The event is being organized within the framework of the International Decade of Sciences for Sustainable Development (2024–2033), emphasizing the importance of scientific knowledge, international collaboration and evidence-based policymaking in addressing shared global challenges.
The inaugural session commenced with the recitation from the Holy Quran and the National Anthem, followed by welcome remarks by Dr. Muhammad Akmal, Chairman, Pakistan Science Foundation. Mr. Ali Bahadur Qazi, Additional Secretary, Ministry of Science and Technology, addressed the gathering, while His Excellency Khalid Hussain Magsi, Federal Minister for Science and Technology, distributed the cash prizes to medal winner students participated in international competition
A high-level round-table discussion titled “Navigating Shared Challenges Through Science Diplomacy” brought together distinguished diplomats, scientists, policymakers and international representatives to discuss the role of science in promoting peace, trust and cooperation among nations. The session was moderated by Dr. Aslam Baig, Secretary General, Pakistan Academy of Sciences.
The distinguished speakers included Mr. Fuad Pashayev, Representative, UNESCO Pakistan; His Excellency Dr. Maen Khreasat, Ambassador of the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan; Dr. Guido Licciardi, Italian Agency for Development Cooperation, Islamabad Office; Dr. Muhammad Adeel, Director (ACDIS-II) and SD, Ministry of Foreign Affairs; and Dr. Gul Muhammad Laghari, Senior Chief Technical (Science & Technology), Ministry of Planning, Development & Special Initiatives.
The discussion focused on critical regional and global challenges, including climate change, water security, public health, emerging technologies and disaster risk reduction. The participants highlighted the importance of scientific diplomacy as an effective instrument for building mutual understanding, strengthening international partnerships and addressing challenges that transcend national boundaries.
A panel discussion titled “Inclusive Science for Cooperation and Sustainable Development” was also organized to highlight the importance of women’s participation and leadership in scientific research, innovation and international cooperation. Moderated by Ms. Myra Imran, Senior Journalist, the panel featured Her Excellency Fatou Harerimana, High Commissioner of Rwanda; Ms. Sogol Jafarzadeh, Policy Development and Government Relations Lead, UNU-INWEH; Prof. Seyed Komail Tayebi, President, ECO Science Foundation; Prof. Dr. Bushra Mirza, Vice Chancellor, Fatima Jinnah Women University; and Dr. Humera Jamal, Deputy Chief, National Commission on the Status of Women.
The panelists emphasized the need to create enabling opportunities for women scientists, strengthen mentorship programmes, promote gender equality in STEM education and research, and encourage greater representation of women in scientific leadership and decision-making. They also underscored that inclusive scientific participation is essential for innovation, scientific excellence and sustainable development.
The event further featured a prize distribution ceremony for winners of international participatory programmes, recognizing the achievements and contributions of Pakistani students in international scientific activities and providing encouragement to young scientific talent.
In his concluding remarks, Dr. Mirza Habib Ali, Member Science, Pakistan Science Foundation, highlighted key takeaways and the way forward, emphasizing the need to strengthen national and international scientific partnerships, promote science diplomacy, encourage youth participation and enhance the contribution of scientific institutions towards sustainable development.
The celebration of World Science Day 2026 reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to promoting science as a bridge for peace, dialogue and international cooperation. It also provided an important opportunity for scientists, diplomats, policymakers, academia and development partners to develop common understanding and explore collaborative solutions to shared challenges.
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Pakistan Science Foundation reaffirmed its commitment to science popularization, promotion of scientific knowledge, encouragement of young scientific talent and strengthening national and international cooperation for a peaceful, knowledge-based and sustainable future.
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.
