OIC, COMSTECH Push for Muslim World AI Initiative, Deeper Science Cooperation
ISLAMABAD, September 15: The Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) and the OIC Standing Committee on Scientific and Technological Cooperation (COMSTECH) have agreed to enhance cooperation in artificial intelligence (AI), science, technology, higher education and healthcare among OIC member states.The understanding was reached during a meeting between OIC Secretary-General Ismail Ould Cheikh Ahmed and COMSTECH Coordinator-General Prof. Dr. Muhammad Iqbal Choudhary at the OIC General Secretariat in Jeddah.The OIC Secretary-General expressed particular interest in COMSTECH’s AI initiatives and called for the organization to take a leading role in developing an OIC-wide AI initiative.
He stressed that the Muslim world should move beyond being merely a user of AI and become a developer, innovator and contributor to emerging technologies. He also emphasized the need to ensure that Islamic ethical principles and core values are reflected in the development and application of AI.The OIC Secretary-General appreciated Pakistan and COMSTECH’s continued support for the Palestinian cause, particularly COMSTECH’s offer of 5,000 fellowships and scholarships for Palestinian students and scholars.He also expressed his desire to meet Palestinian scholars, medical students and biomedical researchers during his upcoming visit to Pakistan.Prof. Dr. Muhammad Iqbal Choudhary briefed the OIC Secretary-General on COMSTECH’s ongoing and planned programmes in science and technology, higher education, healthcare, AI, research and capacity building.
The meeting also reviewed COMSTECH’s Health Africa Programme and initiatives related to pandemic preparedness, scholars’ mobility, women-focused programmes, water resource management and food security.The two sides stressed the importance of convening the OIC-COMSTECH General Assembly and Executive Committee at the earliest possible date. The OIC Secretary-General said he would consult Prime Minister of Pakistan, who serves as Co-Chairman of COMSTECH, on the matter.The OIC Secretary-General reaffirmed the General Secretariat’s support for COMSTECH and acknowledged its important role in promoting scientific research, technological innovation, higher education and capacity building across OIC member states.
