ISLAMABAD ( WNAM REPORT ): The Coordinator General of OIC-COMSTECH, Prof. Dr. Muhammad Iqbal Choudhary, inaugurated the 3rd OIC Youth Forum on Agricultural Biotechnology at North South University, Dhaka, on Saturday. The two-day event is being jointly organized by COMSTECH, the Islamic Organization for Food Security (IOFS), and North South University (NSU). The event brought together eminent policymakers, academics, and representatives from international organizations to highlight the importance of biotechnology in addressing global food security challenges.
The opening session was graced by Chief Guest Dr. Salehuddin Ahmed, Advisor, Ministry of Finance and Ministry of Science and Technology, Government of Bangladesh; Special Guest Mr. M.A. Kashem, Member, Board of Trustees, NSU; Special Guest Mr. Aziz Al Kaiser, Chairman, Board of Trustees, NSU; Special Guest Mr. Benajir Ahmed, Member, Board of Trustees, H.E. Ambassador Khusrav Noziri, Assistant Director-General of IOFS; Session Chair Prof. Abdul Hannan Chowdhury, Vice-Chancellor of NSU.
In his remarks, Prof. Choudhary recalled that the Youth Forum was envisioned to provide a platform for young scientists from OIC countries to connect, innovate, and collaborate. He noted that the first forum was hosted in Islamabad, followed by the second in Kazakhstan, both contributing to youth-led scientific solutions and regional cooperation. The third edition, he stressed, focuses on agricultural biotechnology and genome editing technologies—essential for addressing global food security and climate change challenges. He also dedicated this Youth Forum to People of Gaza who are facing starvation.
Prof. Choudhary encouraged youth participants to take full advantage of this rare opportunity, urging them to engage actively in discussions, ask questions, and form lasting collaborations. “Youth are a transformative force for our societies, and their engagement is essential in advancing responsible, ethical, and impactful biotechnology,” he emphasized.
The Coordinator General also highlighted Bangladesh’s strong partnership with COMSTECH in advancing science and technology, citing the COMSTECH-Bangladesh Scholarship Program, which has already enabled several young scholars to pursue advanced studies and research in Pakistan and other OIC states.
He expressed gratitude to North South University, IOFS, and all partner institutions for making the forum possible. Prof. Choudhary concluded by expressing hope that participants will return with “new knowledge, fresh ideas, and valuable collaborations that will strengthen food security and scientific excellence across the Muslim world.”
The inaugural session ended with a group photo and networking opportunity, reflecting the spirit of collaboration and innovation that defined the event. This two-day program will feature multiple technical sessions with speakers from Turkiye, Malaysia, Azerbaijan, Pakistan, Kazakhstan, Saudi Arabia, UK and other countries, providing a platform for knowledge sharing and international collaboration in agricultural biotechnology.
Issued by
Shabbir Hussain
Media Coordinator COMSTECH
0304-8178283
