UN ESCAP, COMSATS sign MOU to provide a framework of cooperation

ISLAMABAD: The United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (ESCAP) and the Commission on Science and Technology for Sustainable Development in the South (COMSATS) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding to provide a framework of cooperation and to facilitate collaboration.

The UN Under Secretary for ESCAP Dr Shamshad Akhtar and Executive Director COMSATS Dr. S. M Junaid Zaidi signed the MoU in a ceremony held in Islamabad.

Federal Minister for Science and Technology Rana Tanveer Hussain was the chief guest on this occasion while Mrs. Yasmeen Masood, Federal Secretary, Ministry for Science and Technology, Ambassadors of various countries, UN Resident Representative and diplomats from various missions were present to witness this important milestone for COMSATS, said a press release.

According to the agreement, ESCAP and COMSATS will promote cooperation in the areas of research and joint publications; organizing and participating in joint events and conduct capacity building and training workshops.

ESCAP will also undertake measures and initiatives to strengthen the activities of COMSATS including the Network of Centres of Excellence and consider joint publications and exchange of information and documents on issues of mutual interest and experts in various fields.

ESCAP will also provide support to enhance COMSATS’ membership drive. Speaking on the occasion, Dr. Shamshad Akhtar appreciated the role of the ministry of science and technology in promoting research and innovation culture in the country.

While appreciating the visionary leadership of Dr. Junaid Zaidi and efforts that the COMSATS has been making to promote the development cooperation among the countries from the South, Dr. Akhtar also assured the full support and cooperation of ESCAP with COMSATS.

Rana Tanveer Hussain, Federal Minister for Science and Technology, while speaking on the occasion, was of the view that the cooperation of such kind will be beneficial for not only Pakistan but for the entire developing countries member to COMSATS.

Federal Minister said that the Government of Pakistan has taken several key initiatives to promote the culture of research and innovation in the country.

COMSATS is an Intergovernmental organization, with 26 Member Countries and 21 Centre of Excellence across the globe and is one of the highest forums for the promotion of South-South cooperation in science and technology with the objective of achieving sustainable socio-economic progress in the developing countries. The United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (ESCAP) is a multilateral platform for promoting cooperation among member States to achieve inclusive and sustainable economic and social development in Asia and the Pacific.