A scientific delegation from Iran attended the 30th Executive Committee Meeting and 15th General Assembly Meeting of the Standing Committee on Scientific and Technological Cooperation of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (COMSTECH) held recently in Islamabad, Pakistan.
The Iranian delegation was headed by Vahid Ahmadi, research and technology deputy at the Ministry of Science, Research and Technology, IRNA reported.
Also present at the event were delegates from more than 50 countries, with over 30 countries represented by ministers of science, technologies and education.
Head of Gilan’s Science and Technology Park, Majid Mottaqitalab, noted that fruitful negotiations were conducted in regards with “a network of science and technology parks and two resolutions were passed”.
According to the official, one of the enactments calls for the establishment of tech bazaars in Muslim countries which is to be implemented with a focus on the Inter-Islamic Network on Science and Technology Parks (INSTP).
Mottaqitalab said given a three-month deadline, Iran has been tasked with devising the structure, suggesting an organization and drafting a plan for the establishment of tech bazaars for Muslim countries.
The secretariat of INSTP is based in Gilan Science and Technology Park in northeast Iran.
“Another notable enactment passed,” he said, concerned the establishment of a venture capital fund for this purpose.”
The official noted that the two enactments complete one another. They are compliant with the principles of Resistance Economy and knowledge-based economy, and will promote the development of science and technology in Muslim states.
Resistance Economy is a set of principles outlined by the Leader of Islamic Revolution, Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei, aimed at bolstering domestic production and cutting dependence on oil revenues.
During the meetings, the activities of COMSTECH and affiliated organizations were also assessed. Plans and budget were delivered and member countries submitted reports of achievements in the areas of higher education, science and technology.
One of the notable issues discussed was the second 10-year Science and Technology Plan of Action for 2016-25.
Finally, new members of the standing committee were selected and announced COMSTECH was established in January 1981 and is currently headed by the president of Pakistan.
The core mandate is to strengthen cooperation among OIC member states in science and technology, and to increase the capability of the Muslim countries in these areas.
The ultimate aim is to build and nourish a scientific culture in addition to using science and technology as a major contributor to socioeconomic development and rapid industrialization.
Iran joined COSMTECH in 2010. This year’s event was held from May 31-June 1.
