Amongst the world's universities, the three located in the Muslim countries - Al-Azhar in Egypt, Al-Karaouine in Morocco and Nizamiyya in Iran - stand out as the oldest and most distinguished. And, the world is still beholden to the pioneering works by Muslim scientists of medieval times.
That was in the past; today although the Muslim world comprises 25 percent of the world's population, it represents less than four percent of the global S&T manpower and its contribution to R&D is only 1.1 percent. And in a most recent list of 100 top universities, not one is from the Muslim world. Indeed the task before the Comstech to catch up with the rest of the fast-moving world of science and technology is very challenging - even when some of the OIC countries are blessed with enormous mineral wealth and large populations, the Muslim world lags behind in scientific and technological advancement.
The most wanted input in that race to catch up with the rest of the world is that of human capital, fully honed to exploit the God-given natural resources. "We must build human capital and invest in science and technology to catch up with the rest of the world" - that's how Prime Minister Gilani figured out the enormity before the OIC scientists at the opening of two-day Comstech conference here on Tuesday.
The Comstech came into being sometime in early 1980s as the OIC's brain trust to promote the cause of science and technology in the member countries. But it could not gain the desired momentum due to the perennial shortage of funds, as most of the commitments didn't materialise. It is hoped that is no more the case, particularly in the wake of the renewed interest in its functioning that is presently in evidence. It is hoped with operationalisation of the Science and Technology Innovation Organisation (SITO) last year, the problem of funds would be greatly alleviated.
The prime minister is absolutely right in saying that we live in an age of scientific innovations and in knowledge-based societies of the 21st century, only those nations could aspire to lead which excel in science and technology. This is no doubt, a bright vision but does it reflect the reality on the ground, there is not much in evidence. The sad truth is that nowhere are the proponents of S&T and R&D seated so far away from the centres of power than in the Muslim world.
It is heartening to learn that during its two-day deliberations, the conference will consider a 'mega project' aimed at pooling the diverse capabilities, resources and expertise of the OIC member countries. That the conference agenda also includes discussions on joint design, manufacture and marketing of small and medium-sized planes, affordable cars, communication satellites and production of biotechnological-based drugs and vaccines is also a welcome development. Of course, all this is possible given the will and determination to act together.
The need for joint ventures is becoming all the more apparent in the light of increasing international pressures on Muslim countries to keep away from modern technologies, including the use of nuclear technology for peaceful purposes. Nuclear technology, freely available to other countries, is being refused to Pakistan and Iran only because they are part of the Ummah. This trend is likely to accelerate, inviting more focused attention of the OIC leadership on how to cope with such challenges.