The 6th Meeting of the OIC Steering Committee on the Implementation of the OIC Science, Technology and Innovation (STI) Agenda 2026 was successfully concluded at the COMSTECH Secretariat in Islamabad, reaffirming the collective resolve to undertake collaborative efforts for the effective implementation of the STI Agenda.
The high-level meeting was attended by heads and representatives of 15 leading OIC institutions based in Saudi Arabia, Kazakhstan, Türkiye, Jordan, Uganda, Bangladesh, Malaysia, and Pakistan. Participants expressed their continued commitment to strengthening cooperation in science, technology, and innovation across the OIC region.
One of the major outcomes of the meeting was the proposal for COMSTECH to develop a comprehensive OIC Technology and Innovation Portal. This digital platform will serve as a central hub for showcasing innovative solutions by scientists, startups, and SMEs from across member states. It will also provide tailored data and analytics, supporting the exchange of emerging technologies and fostering regional synergies in alignment with the STI Agenda 2026.
Prof. Dr. Muhammad Iqbal Choudhary, Coordinator General COMSTECH, highlighted the significance of this initiative:
"This meeting has once again demonstrated our unified vision for a prosperous OIC through science and technology. The proposed innovation portal will bridge information gaps, support data-driven decision-making, and spotlight the tremendous potential within our scientific communities."
Ambassador Aftab Ahmed Khokhar, Assistant Secretary General of OIC, while commending the outcomes of the session, stated:
"This Steering Committee has set a clear path forward by promoting practical mechanisms for STI cooperation. Encouraging the implementation of national STI policies with private sector engagement is essential for sustained progress." He appreciated the sustained efforts of the COMSTECH for the successful implementation of OIC’s STI Agenda 2026.
The Steering committee urged the OIC member states to take tangible and strategic actions to implement the STI Agenda, including allocating resources aligned with national priorities, building functional STI ecosystems, allocating adequate financial resources and ensuring policy coherence. These measures are vital to enhance research output, facilitate intra-OIC collaboration, and drive capacity building initiatives for S&T based socioeconomic development.
The participants also appreciated the excellent arrangements and warm hospitality extended by COMSTECH during their stay at Islamabad. At the end of the meeting, souvenirs were also presented to the delegates.