Science, tech & sustainable development: D-8 Organisation, COMSATS sign memo to strengthen cooperation

ISLAMABAD: The Developing Eight (D-8) Organisation for Economic Cooperation and the Commission on Science and Technology for Sustainable Development in the South (COMSATS) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), marking an important milestone in strengthening institutional cooperation in science, technology, innovation and sustainable development.

The MoU was signed by Ambassador Sohail Mahmood, Secretary-General of the D-8 Organization, and Ambassador Dr Mohammad Nafees Zakaria, Executive Director of the COMSATS, in a virtual ceremony here on Wednesday.

The MoU establishes a framework for cooperation in six priority areas: agriculture and food security; digital transformation, cybersecurity and information and communication technologies (ICTs); climate change and environmental sustainability; energy security; industry; and public health.

Under the MoU, both organizations will explore opportunities for joint research and development, capacity-building programmes, exchanges of experts and scientists, technology transfer, knowledge-sharing, collaborative business development activities, and joint workshops and training initiatives.

In his remarks on the occasion, Ambassador Sohail Mahmood underscored the growing importance of science, technology and innovation in promoting economic competitiveness, sustainable development and resilience among developing countries. He emphasized that the partnership being forged between the two Organizations would provide an important platform for translating scientific knowledge and technological expertise into practical solutions that address the development priorities of their respective Member States.

The Secretary-General further highlighted the importance of adopting a result-oriented approach, focusing on institutional capacity-building, innovation and technology transfer, and the development of practical joint initiatives with tangible benefits for Member States. He also reaffirmed the D-8 Secretariat’s commitment to working closely with COMSATS to identify priority areas for implementation and promote sustained institutional engagement.

Ambassador Dr Mohammad Nafees Zakaria highlighted COMSATS’ role in promoting scientific and technological cooperation among developing countries. He highlighted that COMSATS comprises 27 Member States across Asia, Africa and Latin America and the Caribbean, supported by a network of 25 Centres of Excellence and scientific and technical expertise from various countries. He further highlighted that D-8 and COMSATS share six common Member States, namely Bangladesh, Egypt, Iran, Nigeria, Pakistan and Türkiye, providing a strong foundation for closer institutional collaboration and the implementation of joint initiatives in areas of mutual interest.

Both sides reaffirmed their commitment to advancing South-South cooperation, strengthening institutional capacity, and promoting innovation and technology transfer. They also designated their respective focal persons to facilitate coordination and pursue the effective implementation of the MoU.

The signing of the MoU reflects the shared commitment of D-8 and COMSATS to fostering mutually beneficial partnerships, advancing scientific and technological capabilities, and promoting inclusive economic growth and sustainable development across their Member States.

Copyright Business Recorder, 2026