Speakers at an introductory course on “Science diplomacy and sustainability” in Islamabad emphasised the proactive role of science diplomacy to address climate change. The course was arranged by COMSTECH -- the Standing Committee on Scientific and Technological Cooperation of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC).

The course was addressed by Chairman of ATRI Advisory, Malaysia, and former science adviser to the prime minister of Malaysia, Prof Zakri Abdul Hamid, and Additional Secretary, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Kamran Akhtar. Dr Zakri delivered two lectures during which he explained that the drive towards sustainability and preservation of biodiversity and the earth’s resources in the face of climate change is more challenging in the Global South which also includes the 57 countries of the OIC.

He said that these countries which are still in need of rapid economic development, face the consequent negative impacts of expanded economic growth on the environment and biodiversity. This challenge requires a careful scientific balance between promoting development and enabling conservation. Prof Zakri stressed the need for an enhanced role of science in multilateral negotiations to overcome climate change and loss of biodiversity.

Kamran Akhtar spoke about the essentials of science diplomacy in different areas of international negotiations, emphasising its role as a soft power to advance diplomatic objectives and create goodwill. About control on the greenhouse gas emissions, he emphasised that while it is a common problem of all nations, there has to be a graded responsibility for reduction in emissions based on the contributions of various nations towards the current state of environment

COMSTECH was leading the OIC efforts to mobilise the resources of 15 leading member states (OIC-15 Dialog Platform) to cooperate on major science and technology initiatives for economic development, said Prof Iqbal Choudhary, Coordinator General of COMSTECH, in his welcome remarks.

Credit: Independent News Pakistan-WealthPk