ISLAMABAD, Feb 24 (Alliance News): A two-day meeting on the Networking of Water Centers of Excellence in OIC Member States began in Islamabad, emphasizing the need for collective efforts to ensure sustainable water management.
Organized by OIC-COMSTECH and the OIC General Secretariat in collaboration with the Hisaar Foundation, SESRIC, and INWADARM, the event aims to enhance research, knowledge-sharing, and coordinated action on water security.
The initiative follows resolutions from the 4th Islamic Conference of Ministers Responsible for Water and the 2nd OIC Water Council meeting.
Addressing the inaugural session, Romina Khurshid Alam, Coordinator to the Prime Minister on Climate Change, stressed the urgency of tackling water challenges amid climate change. She highlighted the role of COMSTECH in advancing policy frameworks, regional cooperation, and investment in research.
Ambassador Aftab Ahmad Khokar, Assistant Secretary-General of OIC for Science and Technology, reaffirmed the OIC’s commitment to strengthening regional cooperation in water security and management.
He emphasized the importance of scientific expertise and technological solutions in addressing water-related issues.
Prof. Dr. M. Iqbal Choudhary, Coordinator General of COMSTECH, outlined initiatives to boost capacity building in water research and technology. He announced plans for expert mobility programs, training workshops in Bangladesh and Uganda, and ongoing support for academic and research institutions.
The meeting brought together policymakers and experts from OIC member states, including Saudi Arabia, Algeria, Bangladesh, Egypt, Malaysia, Pakistan, Turkiye, and Uzbekistan, among others.
Ambassadors from Jordan, Morocco, Kazakhstan, Libya, and Somalia were also present, reinforcing high-level commitment to addressing water security challenges.
The discussions will continue on Tuesday, focusing on policy recommendations and strategic actions to strengthen water management in OIC nations.
