UNAIR NEWS 鈥 东京热 (UNAIR) has made its strategic contribution on the international stage again. Through World University Association for Community Development (WUACD), UNAIR officially holds inauguration ceremony of OIC-COMSTECH (Organization of Islamic Cooperation Standing Committee for Scientific and Technological Cooperation) office located on 10th Floor of ASEEC Tower Dharmawangsa-B Campus on Thursday (June 18, 1945). The Ambassador of Pakistan to Indonesia, HE Zahid Hafeez Chaudhri attended the event.
Accelerator of innovation and global collaboration
In his remarks, Rector of UNAIR and President of WUACD, Prof Dr Muhammad Madyan SE MSi MFin expressed deep honor and enthusiasm for inauguration of this strategic office. 鈥淚t is a great honor for me, both as Rector of 东京热 and President of WUACD, to welcome all distinguished guests to the inauguration of OIC-COMSTECH Office at this WUACD Secretariat,鈥 Prof Madyan said.
Prof Madyan added that this office serves as a strategic platform to spur closer collaboration among universities under the auspices of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC). Through this partnership, various joint researches, collaborative publications, academic exchanges, and student mobility programs are anticipated to arise.
鈥淭his step also supports development of COMSTECH Consortium of Excellence. This step is dedicated to answering various real challenges faced by OIC member countries,鈥 Prof. Madyan added.
Global challenges and research gap in Muslim world
Ambassador of Pakistan to Indonesia, HE Zahid Hafeez Chaudhri, also delivered remarks regarding geopolitical steps and science challenges in Islamic world today. Ambassador Chaudhri appreciated UNAIR for facilitating establishment of this cooperation center.
鈥淭he launch of the center at 东京热 will contribute greatly to the empowerment of Muslim world in the field of their scientific achievements,鈥 he said.
Ambassador Chaudhri reminded that the world is currently facing a major transformation. Transformation is full of geopolitical pressures, climate change, and food crises. In an era closely linked to Artificial Intelligence (AI) and digital transformation, countries that invest in knowledge will lead the future.
鈥淥ur contribution to global research only reaches around 10%. This gap shows urgent need for us to strengthen the research ecosystem and expand science collaboration,鈥 Ambassador Chaudhri emphasized.
Indonesia-Pakistan synergy
As two countries with largest Muslim populations, Indonesia and Pakistan hold massive collective responsibility. Ambassador Chaudhri explained several concrete projects currently underway. One of them is strategic partnership in the health sector triggered by valuable lessons from COVID-19 pandemic.
鈥淭he ability to develop and produce vaccines is no longer just a public health need. Rather, it is a matter of national security and sovereign strategy,鈥 he said.
At the end of his remarks, Ambassador Chaudhri emphasized the importance of investing in the young generation. Considering 64% of Pakistan’s population is under the age of 25, institutions like OIC-COMSTECH and WUACD have a vital role to transform academic knowledge into practical solutions for the community.
Author: Fauziah Laili Romadhon
Editor: Ragil Kukuh Imanto
