ISLAMABAD ( WNAM REPORT): COMSTECH, the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) Ministerial Standing Committee on Scientific and Technological Cooperation, successfully hosted a workshop on “Evaluating the Potential of Membrane Technologies for Desalination and Wastewater Recycling in OIC Countries.” The event brought together distinguished experts, researchers, and policymakers to discuss innovative solutions for addressing water scarcity in OIC member states.
Water security remains a critical challenge for many OIC countries due to rapid population growth, climate change, and increasing industrialization. While OIC nations collectively account for nearly two-thirds of the world’s landmass and 50% of the global population, they possess only 14.5% of the world’s freshwater resources, making sustainable water management an urgent priority. The workshop emphasized the importance of scientific advancements, policy frameworks, and cutting-edge technologies—such as reverse osmosis, nanofiltration, and ultrafiltration—in addressing these challenges.
Prof. Dr. M. Iqbal Choudhary, Coordinator General COMSTECH, reaffirmed OIC-COMSTECH’s strong commitment to promoting water sustainability through research, capacity building, and policy-driven initiatives. He emphasized that water scarcity is not just an environmental issue but is deeply linked to food security, energy sustainability, urbanization, and public health. Prof. Choudhary highlighted the role of nanotechnology, sensor-based monitoring, and GPS data analysis in enhancing water management efficiency. He called for greater collaboration among OIC nations, stressing that science and technology can provide practical solutions to many of the pressing water challenges faced by member states.
Dr. Hifza Rasheed Director General (WQ) Pakistan Council of Research in Water Resources, (PCRWR), in her remarks, emphasized the importance of capacity building and knowledge-sharing among OIC countries, ensuring that nations collectively develop sustainable water solutions that will benefit future generations.
The workshop facilitated knowledge exchange among leading experts and policymakers, fostering discussions on scientific innovations, institutional linkages, and regional cooperation to improve access to clean and reliable water sources.
COMSTECH remains dedicated to supporting joint research initiatives, policy development, and innovative solutions to bridge the gap between water demand and availability. The organization expressed its gratitude to all participants and reaffirmed its commitment to driving meaningful change for a water-secure future.
Over 130 participants including Turkiye, Jordan, Bangladesh, Yemen, Senegal, Egypt, participated in workshop.
The workshop concluded with a collective resolution to strengthen scientific and technological collaborations in the field of water sustainability and to work towards ensuring a resilient and sustainable water future for OIC member states.
