The ministerial meeting, preparatory to the OIC Summit on Science and Technology started today, in Astana, Kazakhstan.

Ministers of Science and Technology of the Member States discussed and adopted the ‘OIC Science, Technology and Innovation Agenda 2026’ as prelude to its consideration and adoption by OIC leaders during the First OIC Summit on Science and Technology, which will start tomorrow.

In his statement at the opening session, the OIC Secretary General, Dr. Youssef A. Al-Othaimeen, said that this summit is a historic event, for it is the first ever Summit of the OIC heads of state and government dedicated to the promotion and advancement of science and technology as an enabler and driver of socio-economic development of OIC countries.

He added that this Summit is unique in its premise as it affirms that Islam is a religion of thought, reason and science that liberates from the slavery of illusions and myths, and calls for a middle stance and for combating radicalization.

Al-Othaimeen also emphasized that the OIC Science, Technology and Innovation Agenda was drawn up after extensive consultations with 157 scientists and technologists from 20 OIC countries and has been further enriched in light of the recommendations received from the member states.

He affirmed that the Agenda presents a holistic view of emerging science and technology, and its social and economic spinoffs. “The document sets priorities and specific recommendations to help member states in tackling the challenges of improving education standards, creating employment opportunities for the youth, mitigating the adverse impact of climate change, and the work for improving human health, energy and water resources”, he underlined.

Furthermore, he highlighted that the document lists some big science programmes, which can be jointly undertaken by several countries, stating that these projects will be key enablers for building the knowledge economy and industrialising the economies of member states.

Concluding his statement, Al-Othaimeen underlined that the success of the proposed OIC STI Agenda 2026 depends upon mutual cooperation and collaboration among OIC member states. He called for shifting from national programs to cooperative and complementary activities.

Kazakj Minister of Education and Science Yerlan Sagadiyev Yerlan Sagadiyev welcomed the participants, affirming that holding the OIC S&T Summit in Astana is proof of the priority OIC member states grant to science, technology and innovation