OIC-COMSTECH, ALECSO sign MoU to boost cooperation in science, education

The OIC Ministerial Standing Committee on Scientific and Technological Cooperation (COMSTECH) and the Arab League Educational, Cultural and Scientific Organisation (ALECSO) on Wednesday

ISLAMABAD, (APP - UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 6th May, 2026) The OIC Ministerial Standing Committee on Scientific and Technological Cooperation (COMSTECH) and the Arab League Educational, Cultural and Scientific Organisation (ALECSO) on Wednesday signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) aimed at promoting cooperation in science, education, technology and innovation among member states.

The agreement was signed at the COMSTECH by Coordinator General OIC-COMSTECH Prof Dr M. Iqbal Choudhary and Director-General of ALECSO Prof Dr Mohamed Ould Amar in the presence of senior officials from both organisations.

The MoU seeks to strengthen institutional collaboration through joint educational and scientific programmes, exchange of expertise, and coordinated initiatives in areas of mutual interest.

Under the agreement, both organisations will collaborate in organising regional and international conferences, workshops, seminars, exhibitions and training programmes focusing on science, technology and higher education.

The two sides also agreed to launch a number of specialised initiatives aimed at addressing emerging challenges in education and scientific development. These include the “Science in Exile” programme designed to support researchers and scientists from crisis-affected countries, as well as scholarship and fellowship opportunities for Arab women researchers.

Another important area of cooperation includes joint efforts to highlight the scientific contributions of scholars from the Golden Age of Arab and Islamic civilisation through educational and cultural initiatives.

The agreement further envisages collaboration to improve the international ranking, visibility and academic impact of Arab universities through research networking, academic partnerships and institutional support.

Special emphasis has also been placed on digital transformation in education. Both organisations agreed to promote distance learning platforms, digital skills initiatives and technology-driven educational programmes aimed at expanding access to quality learning opportunities.

As part of the cooperation framework, COMSTECH and ALECSO will also work on specialised training programmes for teachers with disabilities, including educators working with deaf and blind students.

Speaking on the occasion, Prof Dr M. Iqbal Choudhary described the agreement as an important step towards strengthening scientific and educational linkages among institutions in OIC and Arab countries. He said cooperation in science, technology and innovation is essential for addressing shared developmental challenges and promoting sustainable progress.

Prof Dr. Mohamed Ould Amar appreciated COMSTECH’s role in promoting scientific cooperation among Muslim countries and expressed confidence that the partnership would create new opportunities for researchers, educators and academic institutions.

Senior officials from both sides also attended the ceremony.