By Abdullahi Jamaa
ISLAMABAD, Pakistan — Mandera Governor Mohamed Adan Khalif has called for stronger collaboration among governments, universities, research institutions and the private sector to address global development challenges, while addressing an education and science forum organized by the Organisation of Islamic in Islamabad.
Khalif spoke at the Inter-Islamic Forum for the Advancement of Education, Scientific Research and Innovation, organized by COMSTECH, the OIC’s Standing Committee on Scientific and Technological Cooperation.
The forum brought together delegates from OIC member states, including ambassadors, diplomats, university vice-chancellors, scientists and scholars, to discuss ways of strengthening cooperation in higher education, scientific research, technological innovation and knowledge-sharing across the Muslim world.
In his address, Khalif said education, research and innovation are critical to achieving sustainable development and urged stakeholders to strengthen partnerships that can translate scientific research into practical solutions.
“The challenges facing our communities including climate change, food insecurity, healthcare needs, and youth unemployment, cannot be addressed in isolation. They require robust partnerships among universities, research institutions, governments, and the private sector,” Khalif said.
The governor said stronger cooperation would help accelerate innovation in areas such as healthcare, food security, climate resilience, digital transformation and economic growth.
Khalif also praised COMSTECH for promoting scientific excellence, capacity building and technological cooperation among OIC member states.
He reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to strengthening institutional partnerships and supporting joint research initiatives, according to the statement.
COMSTECH serves as the OIC’s ministerial standing committee on scientific and technological cooperation and works to promote collaboration among member states in science, technology, higher education and innovation.
The organisation regularly convenes international forums aimed at expanding research partnerships and sharing knowledge to address common development challenges across the Muslim world.
