Islamabad, July 22, 2026: Federal Minister for Science and Technology Khalid Hussain Magsi on Wednesday called on Economic Cooperation Organization member states to strengthen regional collaboration in science, technology and innovation to address shared challenges including climate change, water insecurity, energy transition and digital inequality.
He made the remarks while chairing the sixth meeting of the Board of Trustees of the ECO Science Foundation in Islamabad.
The meeting brought together representatives from ECO member states, including Iranian Minister of Science, Research and Technology Hossein Simaei Sarraf, ECO Secretary General Ambassador Asad Majeed Khan and ECOSF President Prof. Seyed Komail Tayebi.
Federal Secretary for Science and Technology Shahid Iqbal Baloch, ECOSF Executive Director Ghulam Muhammad Memon and senior officials also attended the meeting in person and virtually.
Magsi said the ECO region had considerable potential due to its young population, natural resources, academic institutions and expanding technological capabilities.
However, he said countries across the region faced common problems that could not be effectively resolved through isolated national efforts.
He identified climate change, food and water insecurity, public health risks, youth unemployment, energy transition and unequal access to digital technologies among the major challenges requiring joint action.
The minister said investment in scientific research, STEM education, emerging technologies and innovation systems was essential for improving industrial productivity, economic competitiveness and sustainable development.
He praised the ECO Science Foundation for promoting regional cooperation through scientific networking, training programmes, technical support and partnerships among academic and research institutions.
Magsi also urged ECO member states that had not yet ratified the ECOSF Charter and its Additional Protocol to complete their domestic procedures.
He said timely financial contributions from member countries were necessary to address the Foundation’s funding constraints and enable it to launch effective regional programmes.
Iranian Science Minister Hossein Simaei Sarraf said stronger scientific collaboration could support sustainable development and shared economic prosperity across the ECO region.
He reaffirmed Iran’s support for the Foundation and said Tehran would contribute its financial share to help strengthen the organisation and improve its long-term sustainability.
Magsi said Pakistan remained committed to supporting ECOSF as its host country and encouraged the Foundation to develop practical and results-oriented programmes aligned with the priorities of member states.
He expressed hope that a stronger ECO Science Foundation would help expand research cooperation, technological innovation and knowledge exchange across the region.
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