By Ali Imran
ISLAMABAD: Experts from different walks of life highlighted the importance of science for sustainable development during a ceremony held in connection with World Science Day (WSD) here on Wednesday.
The event on the theme of ‘Importance of Basic Sciences for Sustainable Development’ was jointly organized by The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), Standing Committee for Scientific and Technological Cooperation (COMSTECH), the Commission on Science and Technology for Sustainable Development in the South (COMSATS), Pakistan Academy of Sciences (PAS), ECO Science Foundation (ECO-SF) and Pakistan Science Foundation (PSF).
The theme of the WSD -2022 has been decided by UNESCO within the celebrations of the year 2022 as “International Year of Basic Sciences” kicked off on July 8, 2022.
Prof. Dr. M. Iqbal Choudhary, Coordinator General, COMSTECH, Prof. Dr. Shahid Mahmood Baig, Chairman, PSF, Prof. Dr. Tasawar Hayat, Secretary General, PAS, Ambassador Dr. Mohammad Nafees Zakaria, Executive Director, COMSATS, and Dr. Youssef Filali-Meknassi, Director, UNESCO Islamabad shared their views with the mixed gathering of scientists, students, science managers and general public.
In addition, a panel discussion was organized as part of the WSD celebrations, wherein top notch scientists including Prof. Dr. Zabta Khan Shinwari, Prof. Dr. M. Aslam Baig and Dr. Nazeer Muhammad and Prof. Dr. Shahid Mahmood Baig highlighted the role of basic sciences for national development.
Prof. Iqbal welcomed the participants and panelists and gave a brief talk on the importance of Basic Science and shared his personal experiences. He highlighted the role of COMSTECH for promotion of basic sciences among the Islamic world including scholarships for science students and a number of other programs.
Dr. Baig, while addressing the audience, highlighted that the Basic sciences are key of scientific advancement and PSF is utilizing more than 30% of its budget for supporting research in the fields of agriculture, water resources, energy, environment, and many others.
He informed that two mega projects have been initiated by PSF-MoST namely “Launching of STEM in Pakistan”, under which STEM FabLabs will be established in 50 High Schools of the country and the “Science Talent Farming Scheme (STFS)” mainly meant for motivating the young generation towards science education. .
Dr. Tasawar Hayat threw light on the needs of basic sciences for sustainable
development and shared his experience and highlighted role of PAS for
development of science in the country.
In his speech, the Ambassador Dr. Nafees Zakaria highlight that the COMSATS
is an intergovernmental organization of 27 developing countries, and has
been promoting science and technology through a variety of initiatives
related to capacity-building; collaborative research and development; and
exchange of knowledge, experiences, good practices and technological
resources among the member countries. COMSATS’ Network of Centres of
Excellence, currently comprising 24 reputed R&D centres and S&T
universities, offer remarkable research and training opportunities for
researchers from the developing economies.
The role of ECO-SF for promotion of basic sciences was highlighted by the
representative Mr. Khalil of the President ECO-SF, who read out his message
and described various initiatives for sustainable development through basic
sciences.
Dr. Youssef shared with the participants that the Science, Technology and
Innovation (STI) are critical drivers behind sustainable development and
economic growth. For this reason, scientists should be provided conducive
environment so they can work freely for the betterment of humanity. He
highlighted that by linking science more closely with society, World Science
Day for Peace and Development aims to ensure that citizens are kept informed
of developments in science. He also underscored the role of scientists in
broadening the understanding of the planet and in making our societies more
sustainable.
The WSD was proclaimed by UNESCO in the year 2001, since then celebrating
World Science Day for Peace and Development (WSDPD) each year has become a
regular activity of UNESCO, COMSTECH, COMSATS, PAS, ECOSF and PSF.
