OIC/Science: OIC tables promising scientific projects during the meeting of the Council of Foreign Ministers in Astana
JEDDAH. June 22. KAZINFORM The Organization of Islamic Conference (OIC) prepared a number of draft resolutions relating to upgrading of scientific and technological research in its member States, which are expected to be presented during the forthcoming Council of Foreign Ministers to be held in Astana, Kazakhstan from 28 to 30 June 2011, despite the many pressing political issues which will top the agenda of the said meeting.
According to the International Islamic News Agency (IINA), the OIC research and development projects are being undertaken in partnership between the OIC and a number of Western quarters through scientific diplomacy approach.
The Atlas of Islamic World Science and Innovation project is considered to be a roadmap for improving scientific research in the 57 OIC member states which still have a long way to go in the fields of advanced technological industries since their total high-tech exports represents only 4.3% of the overall scientific and technological exports, whereas two member states cover 93% of these exports while the remaining countries export only 0.27% in total.
The Atlas project is of paramount importance as its total cost amounts to about USD4.2 million covering fifteen OIC member states. The project is financially supported by the OIC General Secretariat, the Islamic Development Bank, Qatar Foundation for Education, the British Council, the International Research Development Council of Canada, in addition to the Center of Industrial Development and Technology in Spain. The member states are expected to bear expenses of their local projects. However, despite such financing, the project is facing up financial constraints awaiting contribution from the member states.
The OIC Secretary General announced before the third management team meeting of the Atlas of Islamic World Science and Innovation which was held in Istanbul on 11 and 12 June 2011 that country studies in respect of Malaysia, Pakistan, Egypt, Jordan and Qatar are nearing completion with regard to the Atlas project, whereas, five other country studies for Indonesia, Kazakhstan, Iran, Senegal and Nigeria are planned to be completed by December 2012.
To learn more go to http://iina.me/