Islamabad: IUCN Pakistan and COMSTECH, the Standing Ministerial Committee for Scientific and Technological Cooperation of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), have signed a memorandum of understanding focused on conservation and sustainable development.
The two organizations have combined their efforts to create a comprehensive conservation policy framework tailored specifically for least developed countries among OIC member states, to build their capacity on climate change and environmental aspects. Both organizations will work with academia to promote the green agenda, especially in universities in OIC member states. They will continue to work together to scale up climate-resilient initiatives and share knowledge products and observe environmental days together. Strengthening regional cooperation between OIC member states is also a priority.
Prof. Dr. M. Iqbal Choudhary, Mustafa Awardee (PBUH), H.I., S.I., T.I. and the General Coordinator of COMSTECH, in his opening remarks, emphasized the organization’s commitment to promoting scientific and technological cooperation among OIC member states. He emphasized the importance of strengthening their capabilities through training in emerging areas as well as implementing resolutions set by the OIC. Acknowledging the urgency of conservation efforts and the significant focus of OIC member states on capacity building and addressing climate change, he highlighted the key role this new partnership will play in addressing this urgent challenge.
Mr. Mahmood Akhtar Cheema, Country Representative, IUCN Pakistan, saw this as an auspicious opportunity to align conservation efforts between Pakistan and OIC member states. He emphasized that the planning of future activities will be focused on the IUCN Nature 2030 agenda. In addition, he underlined the value of initiatives such as faculty exchanges, training and annual foundation meetings that would facilitate cross-learning and improve the conservation knowledge of OIC member states. These efforts, he noted, would better equip member states to effectively advocate for conservation interests in regional forums.
The MoU signing ceremony was held at the COMSTECH headquarters in Islamabad with the participation of IUCN and COMSTECH teams.
