Events

8-9 September 2025, University of Technology – Iraq

For More Information: Click Here

Flyer: Click Here

Organized by: OIC-COMSTECH
In collaboration with: SAWiE Ecosystems Ltd.
Date: 24 August 2026
Time: 10:00 AM – 3:00 PM
Venue: 3^rd Floor, COMSTECH Secretariat, Islamabad
Format: Hybrid

About the Event

OIC-COMSTECH, in collaboration with SAWiE Ecosystems Ltd., is organizing an International Roundtable and Technical Dialogue on “Unlocking Agricultural Carbon Markets: Climate-Smart Solutions for a Resilient Future.”

Agriculture remains central to food security, livelihoods, exports and economic growth across Pakistan and many OIC member states. At the same time, agricultural activities—including rice cultivation, livestock, synthetic fertilizer use and on-farm energy consumption—contribute significantly to greenhouse gas emissions. The transition towards climate-smart and low-carbon agriculture therefore presents both a challenge and an important opportunity.

The Roundtable will explore how climate-smart agriculture, nature-based solutions, regenerative agriculture and carbon-market mechanisms can help reduce emissions while maintaining agricultural productivity, improving resilience, strengthening export competitiveness and creating new opportunities for farmers and other stakeholders.

Objectives

The Roundtable aims to:

• Convene government, industry, financial institutions, researchers and farming stakeholders around a shared agenda for agricultural decarbonization.
• Build a common understanding of how nature-based and climate-smart solutions can translate into carbon assets and verified emissions reductions.
• Explore pathways, integrity safeguards and equitable benefit-sharing mechanisms for taking agricultural carbon projects to market under Pakistan’s Carbon Market Policy Guidelines and Article 6.

Who Can Attend?

The Roundtable is particularly relevant for:

• Government officials and policymakers working in agriculture, climate change, environment, food security and finance
• Agricultural researchers and scientists
• Agribusinesses and private-sector organizations
• Agri-tech and climate-smart agriculture companies
• Farmers, farmer associations and cooperatives
• Development partners and international organizations

Key Themes

The technical dialogue will focus on i. Climate-Smart Agriculture, ii. Sustainable Rice Production & Carbon Markets, iii. Climate-Smart Irrigation, iv.Nature-Based Solutions, v. Regenerative Agriculture & Carbon Markets, vi. Agricultural Carbon Markets & Article.

The detailed program includes expert presentations and panel discussions on carbon markets, sustainable rice production, climate-smart irrigation, nature-based solutions, regenerative agriculture, methane reduction and biochar.

Registration & Participation

The event will be conducted in a hybrid format, providing an opportunity for both in-person (For Rawalpindi / Islamabad residents) and online participation.

Registration Link: https://forms.gle/ptAGp34DYNSidAu77

For further information and participation:
Dr. Khalid Mahmood
Founder, SAWiE Ecosystems
khalid.mahmood@sawie.net

Ms. Khazima Muazim
Senior Program Manager, OIC-COMSTECH
khazima@comstech.org

Date: 2nd ,September 2025
Venue: COMSTECH Secretariat, Islamabad, Pakistan
Time: 10:00-3:30 PST

Flyer: Click Here

About the Workshop:

OIC – COMSTECH, in collaboration with leading botanical scientists from Azerbaijan & other OIC countries is organizing a focused One-day international workshop on nature-based medicinal and cosmetic products. The workshop will showcase traditional knowledge, research advances, product development, and commercialization strategies in the field of botanical sciences.

This event aims to strengthen scientific exchange and promote collaborative research between Pakistan, Azerbaijan & OIC countries on herbal medicines and cosmetic formulations using indigenous plant resources.

Objective:

The primary aim of the workshop is to:

1. Foster scientific exchange between Pakistan, OIC members and Azerbaijan.
2. Promote collaborative research on indigenous medicinal plants.
3. Explore product development strategies in herbal medicine and cosmetics.
4. Facilitate knowledge transfer and commercialization pathways in the botanical sector.

 Key Themes:

1. Medicinal plant biodiversity of Pakistan, Azerbaijan, and OIC member states.
2. Traditional knowledge systems and pharmacological validation.
3. Botanical extract formulations for dermatology and cosmetics.
4. Scientific research and innovation in herbal product development.
5. Pakistan, Azerbaijan and OIC member states R&D collaboration and commercialization pathways.

Target Beneficiaries:

•     Researchers and scientists in the field of botany, pharmacognosy, and natural products.

•     Faculty members and postgraduate students from relevant disciplines.

•     Industry professionals in herbal medicine and cosmetic formulation.

•     Policymakers and R&D stakeholders from OIC countries.

Speakers & Experts from:

• Azerbaijan National Academy of Sciences.
• International speakers from Iran, Pakistan, Egypt, Jordan, Kazakhstan, Indonesia, and Malaysia.

PARTICIPANTS:

• Registration Link: Click Here
• Physically only for Islamabad/Rawalpindi residents.
• Virtual: Open for all OIC members states & other countries.
• Certificates will be provided to all participants-80% of attendance is necessary for certificates.

Highlights:

• Inaugural session with senior Scientists from Pakistan and Azerbaijan.
• Scientific presentations and expert talks.
• Certificate of participation for attendees.

Limited Seats Available – Pre-registration Required
For Registration and Information: Click Here

 Date: 20^th August 2026
Time: 2:00pm-3:30pm

Background:

Rapid urbanization and climate change are reshaping cities across the world, particularly in OIC Member States where growing populations continue to place increasing pressure on infrastructure, natural resources, and essential public services. Rising greenhouse gas emissions, unsustainable construction practices, urban heat, flooding, air pollution, and declining green spaces have made climate resilience a priority for sustainable urban development.

To address these challenges, OIC-COMSTECH, under the Forum on Environment and Ecosystem Restoration (CFEER), is organizing an online seminar on “Building Climate Resilient Smart Cities for a Sustainable Future.” The seminar will bring together researchers, policymakers, practitioners, and students to explore innovative strategies, digital technologies, and collaborative approaches for developing smarter, more inclusive, and climate-resilient cities across OIC Member and Observer States.

Objectives

• To promote integrated approaches for developing climate-resilient and sustainable smart cities.
• To strengthen the link between scientific research, technology, and urban policymaking.
• To share practical strategies for sustainable urban infrastructure, mobility, energy management, and climate adaptation.

Expected Outcomes

• Enhanced understanding of climate-resilient urban planning and smart city solutions.
• Improved collaboration between researchers, policymakers, and practitioners on sustainable urban development.
• Identification of practical and innovative approaches for building inclusive, resilient, and environmentally sustainable cities across OIC Member States.

Who Can Apply:

Researchers, faculty members, policymakers, urban planners, professionals, development practitioners, postgraduate students, and representatives of government agencies, universities, research institutions, and relevant organizations from OIC Member and Observer States are encouraged to apply.

Registration:
For Participation, please register at: Click Here

Contact details:

For any queries, please feel free to contact:

Aneela Aziz
Internee
OIC – COMSTECH Secretariat     
Email: aneelaaziz19@gmail.com

Under the COMSTECH Expert Service Program, hosted by the COMSTECH Center for Training & Research on AI & Emerging Technologies

Date: August 10–11, 2026    Time: 10:00 – 14:00 (Pakistan Standard Time)

Introduction:

Artificial Intelligence is changing the way software-intensive systems are designed, built, and maintained. As AI components become a standard part of engineering solutions, sound software engineering principles need to be paired with methods specific to AI. OIC-COMSTECH is organizing a two-day training course on “Engineering of AI Driven Systems” to give researchers and faculty members from OIC Member and Observer States a practical grounding in how to engineer AI-driven systems.

Importance:

As AI moves from experimental use into mission-critical deployments, conventional software engineering practices on their own are no longer enough to guarantee quality, safety, and reliability. Engineering AI-driven systems calls for its own discipline – one that accounts for data-driven behavior, changing requirements, and the integration of AI components into larger systems. This course walks participants through that discipline across the AI system lifecycle, from requirements to design, development, and deployment, and contributes to building this capacity within institutions across OIC Member States.

Key Topics to be Covered:

1. Fundamentals of AI
2. Requirement Intelligence
3. AI Driven Design
4. AI System Engineering Life Cycle
5. AI for Software Engineering

Speaker Profile:

This training course will be delivered by Prof. Dr. Atif Mashkoor, who is an Associate Professor at the Johannes Kepler University (JKU) Linz, Austria. Furthermore, he currently serves as the Requirements & Process Manager at Fronius International, Austria, and previously served as the Founding Managing Director of the Sino-Pak Center for AI at Pak-Austria Fachhochschule, and as Scientific Head at the Software Competence Center Hagenberg, Austria. He is also an Adjunct Faculty member at the International Center for Chemical and Biological Sciences (ICCBS), University of Karachi.

Dr. Mashkoor holds a Doctorate of Science (Habilitation) in Software Engineering from JKU Austria, a Ph.D. in Computer Science from the University of Lorraine, France, and an M.S. in Computer Science from Umeå University, Sweden. He is an internationally recognized expert in Requirements Engineering, Formal Methods, and AI-driven Software Engineering, with over 100 publications and 1,400+ citations to his credit.

Pre-requisites:

Applicants should hold a minimum of Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Software Engineering, or a closely related discipline.

Who Can Apply:

Researchers and faculty members from universities and research institutions across OIC Member and Observer States are encouraged to apply.

Registration:

Workshop Coordinator:

Muhammad Haseeb Ahmad
Program Officer
OIC-COMSTECH
Haseeb.ahmad@comstech.org

Jointly organized by the Halal Institute, Prince of Songkla University, and the OIC Ministerial Standing Committee on Scientific and Technological Cooperation (OIC-COMSTECH).

Date: 30 July – 2 August 2026
Venue: ICC Hall Hatyai, Songkhla, Thailand

Flyer: Click Here

Introduction

The global Halal industry has evolved far beyond traditional dietary boundaries, transitioning into a holistic, multi-billion-dollar ecosystem that encompasses wellness, pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, and advanced services. The 15th World HAPEX Thailand 2026 (World Halal Products Exhibition) stands as a premier international platform designed to catalyze growth, harmonize standards, and showcase cutting-edge innovations within the sector.

For OIC Member and Observer states, this event represents a crucial strategic avenue for capacity building, intra-OIC trade expansion, and scientific exchange. Southeast Asia, with Thailand as a major regional hub, offers mature frameworks in Halal food science, standardization, and export logistics.

Recognizing the immense importance, OIC-COMSTECH has partnered with the Prince of Songkla University (PSU) to co-organize this landmark event. Through this strategic collaboration, both institutions aim to actively engage leading scientists, researchers, and policy experts from across OIC member and observer states, providing them a premier platform to contribute to the international conference, share technical expertise, and drive institutional partnerships forward.

Objectives

• Promote Science and Innovation: Showcase cutting-edge research, technology, and compliance strategies driving the modern Halal market, with a strong focus on wellness and sustainability.
• Foster Regional & International Collaborations: Strengthen institutional, academic, and economic ties between Thailand and OIC member states to scale up the global Halal ecosystem.
• Facilitate Market Access: Provide a dynamic marketplace for small, medium, and large enterprises to showcase certified Halal products to an international audience.
• Enhance Capacity Building: Offer expert-led conference to bridge the gap between traditional Islamic jurisprudence and modern scientific innovations.

Program Components:

The event features a multi-faceted program designed to foster academic rigor and B2B commercial synergy:

• International Conference: Scientific and academic deliberations on modern Halal standards, verification techniques, and biotechnological compliance.
• Global Halal Forum: High-level strategic discussions regarding market trends, economic policies, and trade facilitation.
• Halal Products Exhibition: A massive commercial showcase featuring certified Halal foods, modern cosmetics, organic wellness products, and logistics solutions.
• Business Matching: Dedicated B2B networking sessions designed to secure investment, trade partnerships, and institutional supply agreements.
• Seminars & Talks: Capacity-building workshops addressing certifications, digital supply chain tracking, and global consumer behavior.
• Demonstrations & Competitions: Interactive showcases, culinary arts, and innovative product competitions emphasizing Halal wellness.

Potential Participants

• Policymakers, government officials, and diplomatic delegations from OIC member states, observer nations, and ASEAN countries.
• Researchers, scientists, academics, and food technologists focusing on Halal compliance and bio-sciences.
• Halal certification bodies, and legal framework experts.
• Entrepreneurs, manufacturers, distributors, and exporters within the Halal food, cosmetic, pharmaceutical, and tourism sectors.
• Postgraduate students, trainees, and innovators in the field of food sciences and wellness.

Registration:

For registration, please apply via the link: Click Here
For any queries please contact events@comstech.org

Application Deadline: 20^th August, 2025

 OIC-COMSTECH, in collaboration with China’s top -ranked Ningbo University, announces a joint program on Aerospace Biomedicine, Pharmaceuticals, and Artificial Intelligence, this program offers to provide hands-on training on Medical and STEM fields.  

Background:

OIC-COMSTECH, in collaboration with China’s top-ranked Ningbo University, has launched a specialized joint program aimed at strengthening the scientific and technological capacity of OIC member states. This initiative focuses on hands-on training in aerospace medicine, biomedicine, pharmaceuticals, and artificial intelligence, with a strong emphasis on medical and STEM related fields. The program is an attempt the meet the need for skilled researchers, technical personnel in these emerging disciplines, equipping participants with practical expertise to support healthcare innovation and technological advancement across the Islamic world.

Objective:

• To provide hands-on training in Aerospace Medicine, Biomedicine, Pharmaceuticals, and Artificial Intelligence.
• To enhance the technical skills of researchers and professionals from OIC member states in emerging medical and technological fields.
• To foster collaboration and knowledge exchange between OIC countries and Ningbo University for sustainable scientific development.

Target Beneficiaries:

This program will benefit Research Scientists and STEM teachers related to fields such as Biochemistry, Biological Science, Pharmaceutical, Aerospace Science, Chemical Sciences and teachers from academic and research institutions of OIC member and observer states, and Muslim Minorites in non-OIC member states can apply.

Eligibility Criteria:

• At least MS degree in STEM fields
• All OIC member states, Muslims minorities of non-OIC states.
• Staff of HEIs & R&D Labs and institutes.

Program support:

• OIC-COMSTECH will cover travel and visa cost of the selected participants.
• Ningbo University will provide accommodation, (double occupancy) and halal meals.

Application Link: Click Here

Poster:  Attached

Address: COMSTECH Secretariat, 33-Constitution Avenue, G-5/2, Islamabad 
Phone No. : 92 51 9220681-3
Email: pcayesha@comstech.org ; khazima@comstech.org ; comstech@comstech.org

Please submit abstracts to: 1. https://forms.gle/AERkXSRSgrewN1Vp9 / naprecauganda@gmail.com

Date: Monday, August 4, 2025. 3:30 PM (Pakistan Standard Time)
By:
Dr. Shamsher Ali
Clinical/Regulatory Affairs Specialist at the University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, USA.

Flyer: Click Here

Introduction:

In recent years, the importance of robust clinical trial frameworks has grown significantly, particularly as global health crises and rapid advancements in medicine demand faster yet safer drug development. Pakistan, with its large and diverse patient population, holds untapped potential for clinical research. However, the regulatory environment governing clinical trials in the country remains a significant bottleneck. The approval processes managed by the Drug Regulatory Authority of Pakistan (DRAP) are often slow, which discourages both local and international research sponsors.

Despite attempts to align with international standards, Pakistan’s clinical trial regulations remain loosely harmonized with global benchmarks such as those set by the FDA, EMA, and ICH. Ethical oversight mechanisms, particularly Institutional Review Boards (IRBs), are inconsistently developed across institutions, often lacking the training and resources required to conduct timely and rigorous reviews. This adds further delays and raises concerns about compliance with Good Clinical Practice (GCP).

In addition, regulatory bodies face challenges in terms of staffing, expertise, and technological infrastructure. The absence of digital submission systems, real-time monitoring tools, and centralized databases hinders the efficiency and transparency of trial management. Legal ambiguities around participant rights, data protection, and injury compensation further complicate the regulatory landscape, contributing to an environment of uncertainty for sponsors and investigators alike.

This talk will examine the primary regulatory challenges confronting clinical trials in Pakistan today, evaluates their impact on research and innovation, and outlines actionable steps to align the country’s clinical trial framework with global best practices.

Speaker Profile:

Dr. Shamsher Ali is a highly experienced clinical and regulatory affairs professional with more than 15 years of multidisciplinary expertise spanning clinical research, regulatory strategy, scientific innovation, and trial operations. With a robust academic foundation and advanced training in biomedical research, Dr. Ali has successfully transitioned into leading global Phase I–III clinical trials in diverse therapeutic areas, including oncology (CAR-T, plasma-derived therapies), cardiology, dermatology, diabetes, autoimmune, and rare diseases.

Currently serving as a Clinical/Regulatory Affairs Specialist at the University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Dr. Ali oversees end-to-end regulatory operations for over 100 active clinical studies. He is responsible for regulatory submissions (INDs, CTAs, ICFs, CSRs), AE/SAE reporting, TMF and CTMS oversight, vendor management, and regulatory correspondence with the FDA, EMA, and major IRBs (WCG, Advarra, NCI CIRB). His expertise in tools such as OnCore, Advarra eReg, REDCap, Medidata, and Shared Investigator Platform (SIP) enhances trial efficiency, documentation integrity, and inspection readiness.

Dr. Ali’s industry and academic career includes leadership roles at Alliance Foundation Trials, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Dräger Medical Systems, and American International Chemical. Across these positions, he led regulatory and quality operations, vendor compliance programs, global clinical submissions, and cross-functional collaboration to meet both scientific and regulatory milestones.

Prior to transitioning into regulatory leadership, Dr. Ali conducted extensive postdoctoral research in biomedical sciences. At Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, he led projects on airway remodeling and stem cell behavior using advanced biophysical and imaging techniques. At MIT/Harvard (Brigham and Women’s Hospital), he co-developed microgel-based bioengineered tissue platforms and pioneered cell-patterning technologies for regenerative medicine. At Northeastern University, he specialized in the chemical modification and structural characterization of bioactive oligosaccharides, contributing to drug development for inflammatory diseases.

Dr. Ali holds a PhD in Chemistry and a Master of Science in Regulatory Affairs from Northeastern University. His unique blend of translational science, clinical operations, and regulatory strategy positions him as a leader at the intersection of innovation, compliance, and patient-focused research. Dr. Ali has published his research in peer-reviewed journals like PNAS and Lab on a Chip

Who can attend?

Potential participants for the webinar include clinical researchers, regulatory professionals, pharmaceutical companies, healthcare policymakers, academic researchers and educators, and international research sponsors.

How to register

For registration, please fill the following form: Click Here

Zoom Link will be shared with the participants 1-2 days before the webinar.

Webinar Coordinator:

Muhammad Haseeb Ahmad
Program Officer
Haseeb.ahmad@comstech.org