BEIJING ( WNAM REPORT ): Headquartered in China, the Alliance of National and International Science Organizations for the Belt and Road Regions (ANSO) organized the General Conference on Science & Innovation for a Sustainable Future, on 28-29 October 2025 in Beijing. “Open Science & Innovation for Inclusive Development” Panel Discussion featured high level scientific experts from various parts of the world, including Pakistan, Egypt, Mongolia, Senegal, Serbia and China. The discussion was moderated by Prof. Gretchen Kalonji, Co-Chair of ANSO-DRR & Former Assistant Director General for Natural Sciences, UNESCO.
The Panelists expressed their views and shared expertise in the backdrop of their respective experiences and positions held at national academic institutes and international scientific platforms. Ambassador Dr. Mohammad Nafees Zakaria, Executive Director COMSATS was also invited as a Panelist.
Addressing the questions on the significance of Open Science and Open Innovation, Amb. Zakaria stated that research, data and discoveries should be freely available to everyone and not limited to a privileged few. He said that this openness allows scientists, scholars and innovators, especially in the countries of the Global South, to participate fully in global research and development. ‘Open Innovation harnesses the power of collective intelligence paving way for groundbreaking advancements’, he added. The Executive Director highlighted that COMSATS’ creation was envisioned by Nobel Laureate, Prof. Dr. Abdus Salam, with overarching objective to bridge the knowledge & technology gap, powered by spirit of inclusiveness and sharing of knowledge, expertise & technology. He shed light on COMSATS’ capacity and skill development activities targeting 850 million youth of the Member States, which manifests continued commitment for promoting Open Science and Innovation.
On the sidelines of the Conference, the Executive Director COMSATS held exclusive meetings, inter alia, with Prof. Chunli Bai, Founding President ANSO & Former President, Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS), Prof. Liu Weidong, Executive Director ANSO, Dr. Marcelo Knobel, Executive Director, The World Academy of Sciences (TWAS), Prof. Mamdouh Moawad, President, National Research Centre (NRC), Egypt, Prof. Cao Jinghua, Senior Consultant for Natural Sciences, UNESCO, Prof. Desheng Wu, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences (UCAS), and Prof. Dr. Jibin Sun, Tianjin Institute of Industrial Biotechnology (TIB), China. During these meetings, he highlighted COMSATS’ initiatives in EV, Nanotech, Telehealth, IT, Environment, etc.; discussed opportunities for cooperation in emerging technologies & skills development of youth; and explored technology-transfer opportunities among Member States. They commended the progress made by COMSATS under the leadership of Amb. Zakaria and appreciated COMSATS’ collaboration on various fronts.
