ISLAMABAD ( WNAM REOIRT ): The Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), General Secretariat Jeddah, in collaboration with the OIC Ministerial Standing Committee on Scientific and Technological Cooperation (COMSTECH), is set to organize the First Meeting for Networking of Water Centers of Excellence in OIC Member States. This event will take place on 24-25 February 2025 at COMSTECH, Islamabad, Pakistan.
This significant initiative aims to foster collaboration, knowledge sharing, and coordinated action among leading water research and development institutions across OIC member states. The meeting is being organized in accordance with Resolution No. 1/4-ICWM/2018, which was adopted during the 4th Islamic Conference of Ministers responsible for water in Cairo, Egypt, from 14-16 October 2018. It also follows the recommendations of the 2nd meeting of the OIC Water Council, held in Cairo on 21-22 October 2019.
The meeting will bring together experts, policymakers, and representatives from water centres of excellence across the OIC region. The participants will discuss pressing water-related challenges and explore innovative solutions for sustainable water management. The event will host representatives from multiple countries, including Saudi Arabia, Algeria, Bangladesh, Benin, Burkina Faso, Cameroon, Egypt, Ivory Coast, Jordan, Kazakhstan, Kuwait, Malaysia, Mauritania, Morocco, Niger, Oman, Pakistan, Palestine, Qatar, Russia, Senegal, Somalia, Togo, Turkiye, Uzbekistan, UAE, and Yemen, among others.
Water security remains a critical issue for many OIC member states. Challenges such as climate change, water scarcity, pollution, and inefficient resource management continue to threaten economic and social development. This inaugural networking event aims to strengthen institutional linkages, facilitate joint research initiatives, and enhance capacity-building efforts among member states.
The key objectives of this important meeting include establishing a collaborative network of water centres of excellence within the OIC framework,promoting knowledge exchange on best practices in water conservation, management, and policy development and
strengthening cooperation between governments, research institutions, and international organizations for sustainable water solutions.
The event will feature expert panel discussions, technical presentations, and interactive networking sessions. It will provide a platform for meaningful engagement and the development of long-term partnerships.
As the host of this pivotal meeting, COMSTECH continues to play a leading role in enhancing scientific and technological cooperation among OIC member states. This initiative aligns with the broader objectives of the OIC in advancing science and technology for sustainable development.
