Scientific innovation key to face challenges: Gillani

ISLAMABAD: Senate Chairman Yousuf Raza Gillani on Monday emphasized the importance of scientific innovation and collaboration in addressing interconnected challenges being faced by OIC countries in relation to water, energy, food and ecosystems security.

He observed this while addressing the 25th IAS Scientific Conference titled “Water-Energy-Food-Ecosystem Nexus for the Security of OIC Countries” as chief guest here at the Pakistan Academy of Sciences (PAS).

The conference, organized jointly by the Islamic World Academy of Sciences (IAS) and the Pakistan Academy of Sciences (PAS) gathered distinguished scientists and researchers to discuss critical issues facing OIC countries.

The chairman Senate acknowledged the vital role of the IAS and the PAS in fostering scientific excellence as a pivot to address and resolve socio -economic issues. He highlighted the high-profile patronage of the IAS by leaders including Prince El-Hassan bin Talal of Jordan and President Asif Ali Zardari and called it indicative of a significant political support for scientific progress. He underlined that national security now encompassed a broader range of issues beyond traditional military threats. He pointed out that these challenges were particularly acute in OIC countries due to rapid population growth and environmental degradation.

He drew attention of the participants towards Pakistan’s own efforts to tackle these issues, including the national tree plantation campaign and comprehensive climate change policies introduced during his tenure as prime minister. He urged continued commitment to scientific research and innovation to drive sustainable development and address shared challenges effectively. He called upon the Parliamentary Union of OIC Member Countries to play a proactive role in advancing sustainable development agendas through legislative measures and science diplomacy. He recommended prioritizing good governance, incentivizing sustainable practices and providing financial support for research and development in clean energy and climate resilience.

He reaffirmed commitment to fostering scientific research and innovation as key drivers for inclusive development and growth. He hoped for continued collaboration to support interdisciplinary cooperation in terms of promoting science diplomacy for the betterment of OIC countries.

Senator Sherry Rehman also participated in the conference and read out a message from Zardari. Prof Kausar Abdullah Malik, president Pakistan Sciences Academy and Prof Adnan Badran, president Islamic World Academy of Sciences, also addressed the gathering and highlighted the crucial role of water, energy, food and ecosystem.

The speakers observed: “Our challenges are common and there is a need for adopting collective approach to tackle the burgeoning threats posed by the climate change.”