Past Events

Delivered by: Mr. Ehsan Masood

Senior Editor, Journal Nature & Knight Science Journalism Fellow

Date: 23^rd January 2025

Time: 03:00 – Pakistan Standard Time

Flyer Attached: Click Here

Abstract:

GDP or Gross Domestic Product is regarded as a nation’s main economic health-check. It is also an influential ranking of prosperity. Every quarter, the announcement is keenly watched by governments, financial markets and media. But GDP is also an unforgiving metric, and is not helpful for low and middle income countries. It rewards environmental degradation, prevents countries from spending on important policy priorities, and is associated with widening inequality. In this talk, science writer Ehsan Masood will describe how GDP became what he calls the ‘world’s most powerful formula’ and why it needs to be reformed.

Target Audience:

The webinar is open to students, researchers, young scientists, and academicians from the OIC member states and other countries.

Profile of the Speaker:

Ehsan Masood is a science journalist and the author of GDP: The World’s Most Powerful Formula and Why it Must Now Change (Icon Books, 2021).Heis a senior editor at the journal Nature where he has responsibility for the journal’s editorials and coverage of science news from countries in Africa and the Middle East. Ehsan was a Knight Science Journalism Fellow at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, and previously taught international science and innovation policy at Imperial College London from 2007 to 2017. His other books, include Science and Islam: A History.

Program:

03:00 – 03:02 PM – Welcome of Speakers and Participants

03:02 – 03:07 – Welcome Remarks and Introduction of speaker by H.E. Prof. Dr. M. Iqbal Choudhary, Coordinator General COMSTECH

03:07 – 03:40 – Lecture of Invited Speaker, Mr. Ehsan Masood, Senior Editor, Journal Nature & Knight Science Journalism Fellow

03:40 –  03:47 – Q/ Ans Session

03:47 – 03:53 – Introduction and Overview of COMSTECH work on Science Communication and Diplomacy

03:53 – 04:00 – Closing Remarks of H.E. Prof. Dr. M. Iqbal Choudhary, Coordinator General COMSTECH

Register at : Click Here

Zoom link for participation will be shared selected participants.

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

Dates: February 24–25, 2025
Venue: COMSTECH Secretariat, Islamabad, Pakistan

Organized by:

• OIC – COMSTECH
• OIC – General Secretariat

Technical partners:

• The Statistical, Economic and Social Research and Training Centre for Islamic Countries (SESRIC)
• Inter-Islamic Network on Water Resources Development and Management (INWRDAM)
• Hisaar Foundation (HF)
• Panjwani-Hisaar Water Institute (PHWI)

Salient Points

Introduction

Water is crucial for life and development, and better management of water resources is a major challenge confronting the countries that comprise the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC). Though many OIC Member States have made progress in water and sanitation, they still face challenges in meeting their Sustainable Development Goal (SGD) 6 commitment (“Ensure availability and sustainable management of water and sanitation for all”) by 2030 due to diverse landscapes, conflicts, widespread poverty, hunger, transboundary issues, and climate impacts exacerbating challenges with each passing year.

The OIC Water Vision Implementation Plan provides a framework for addressing these issues through collaboration, knowledge-sharing, and joint initiatives. The first objective was achieved before the 4th Islamic Conference of Ministers Responsible for Water held in October 2018. The second objective will be taken forward in the First Meeting of Networking of Water Centers of Excellence in OIC Member States” to be held in Islamabad, Pakistan from 24 and 25^th February 2025,  

Goals and Objectives of The Meeting

Main Goal:

• Establish a collaborative platform for water institutions across OIC Member States, fostering knowledge exchange and coordinated action.

Key Objectives:

1. Facilitate Knowledge Sharing: Exchange information on policies, technologies, and strategies.
2. Map Institutional Architecture: Build networks of water-related institutions across OIC countries.
3. Promote Research and Development: Support water use, conservation, and sustainable practices innovations.
4. Enhance Capacity Building: Provide training, workshops, and technical expertise.
5. Support Policy Coordination: Foster alignment and collaboration on water-related policies.
6. Develop Action Plans: Encourage regional and national strategies with government and multilateral support.

Meeting Composition

• Participants: Water research institutions, training centers, scientific organizations, and experts from OIC Member States.

Logistics:

• COMSTECH will provide local hospitality (boarding, lodging, airport pickup and drop off) to the selected participants.

Request for Participation

• Interested water centers of Excellence/ Research Institutions of OIC member states are requested to write to undersign with an official letter requesting for participation in this closed group meeting. Applications of interest will be entertained till 25^th January, 2025

H.E. Prof. Dr. M. Iqbal Choudhary
Mustafa (PBUH) Prize Laureate, H.I., S.I., T.I.,
Coordinator General COMSTECH

cg@comstech.org

with copy to comstech@comstech.org  ;  khazima@comstech.org

Date: 12th-13th January, 2026 at 10:00 am-12:00 pm
Organized by: OIC-COMSTECH

Flyer: Click Here

Background

Many graduate students and emerging researchers face challenges in designing research questionnaires, coding variables, managing data, and selecting appropriate statistical tests. These challenges often weaken the quality of postgraduate theses and scientific publications.

IBM SPSS Statistics is one of the most widely used statistical programs in health, nutrition, education, social sciences, and behavioral research.

Purpose of the Workshop

The purpose of this 2-day workshop is to provide participants with a solid foundation in SPSS, covering essential skills for preparing datasets, performing basic statistical analyses, and interpreting results accurately. The workshop focuses on practical application, enabling participants to apply these skills directly to their research projects and improve the quality of their theses and publications.

Training Content

The workshop will cover the following main modules:

A. Research & Data Foundations:

• Understanding types of variables (IV/DV, categorical vs continuous).
• Levels of measurement and how they determine statistical tests.

B. SPSS Data Management

• Introduction to SPSS interface (Variable View & Data View).
• Creating variables, labels, and correct coding.
• Data cleaning: missing values, detection of errors.

C. Descriptive Statistics & Normality

• Frequencies, means, medians, standard deviation.
• Normality testing (Shapiro–Wilk, Q-Q plots).

D. Inferential Statistics

• Chi-square
• Correlation (Pearson& Spearman). Based on time

Training Objectives

By the end of the workshop, participants will be able to:

I.  Correctly define variables and understand their levels of measurement to prepare research datasets for analysis.

II.  Enter, code, and clean data in SPSS, including handling missing values and basic data checking.

III.  Perform essential statistical analyses in SPSS (descriptive statistics and one inferential test such as Chi-square or correlation).

IV.  Interpret SPSS output and write the results clearly in an appropriate academic format.

Target Population

The workshop is designed for:

• Master’s students in nutrition, health sciences, psychology, education, public health, and social sciences who are beginning quantitative research.
• Research assistants and early-career researcherswho need practical SPSS skills for data management and analysis.

Duration

Two days (2 hours per day), total of 3-4 hours.

Expected Outcomes

Participants will be able to:

• Build clean datasets in SPSS with correct coding.
• Perform basic descriptive statistics and one inferential test.
• Interpret SPSS output correctly.
• Use these skills to improve research projects or theses.

Resource Person: Salma Abu-Saleh, M.Sc. in Nutrition Science

Trainer – Research Methods & Statistical Analysis

Registration Details

• Deadline for Registration: 08^th January
• Registration Fee: None
• Participation Mode: Virtual

Registration Link: Click Here

Zoom Link: Will be shared with virtual participants via email.

Contact Person:   

Ms. Jabbina Fawwad
Program Officer
Email:  pojabbina@comstech.org

Co-organized by Pathfinder CITADEL and OIC-COMSTECH
Organized under the COMSTECH Center for Training in AI & Emerging Technologies and CITADEL Future Horizons 2026 Programme

Venue & Date: Thursday, 8 January 2026, OIC-COMSTECH Secretariat, Islamabad

Introduction

The International Conference on “AI & the Future of Work: Digital Nations in the Next Decade” will convene policymakers, industry leaders, technologists, and academic experts to explore how artificial intelligence is reshaping economies, governance models, and workforce paradigms across the developing and emerging world

As nations transition toward digital economies, AI is becoming a foundational driver of productivity, employability, financial systems, and public infrastructure. This conference provides a strategic platform to examine future-ready policy frameworks, sovereign AI capabilities, digital public infrastructure, and the transformation of workforces in the coming decade

OIC-COMSTECH plays a pivotal role in advancing AI capacity building, policy dialogue, and cooperation among OIC Member States. Through this conference, COMSTECH reinforces its commitment to fostering indigenous innovation, strengthening human capital, and supporting evidence-based policymaking in AI and emerging technologies

Thematic areas:

• AI & the Future of Work
• Digital Nations & Digital Sovereignty: Sovereign AI Infrastructure
• AI Policy, Governance & Regulation
• AI, FinTech & Future Finance
• Digital Public Infrastructure & Cyber Resilience
• Future Foresight & Emerging Technologies
• Innovation Economy & Digital Exports

Registration:

For virtual Participation, please register at: Click Here

The conference is open for virtual participation, enabling international and national experts, researchers, and stakeholders to join the sessions online and contribute to global dialogue on AI-driven digital transformation.

For any queries, please contact at: workshops@comstech.org

Program Details: Click Here

Background
The increasing emergence of zoonotic diseases has highlighted the urgent need for advanced, rapid, and precise diagnostic tools that support the One Health agenda. This webinar focuses on the integration of molecular and metabolomic technologies to strengthen veterinary disease surveillance and early detection systems.

Molecular diagnostics sequencing, and genomic assays play a pivotal role in identifying pathogens with high accuracy. Complementing these, metabolomic profiling provides powerful insights into host pathogen interactions, biomarkers of infection, and metabolic alterations associated with disease progression.

Through expert lectures from leading microbiology and epidemiology professionals, participants will gain an understanding of how these technologies enhance detection capabilities, improve outbreak response, and support evidence-based interventions in both animal and human health sectors. The session will also address interdisciplinary collaboration, data integration challenges, and the role of One Health in preventing cross-species transmission of infectious diseases.

This webinar aims to equip researchers, veterinarians, public health officers, and students with updated knowledge on modern diagnostic tools that contribute to a healthier and more resilient ecosystem.

Speaker Profile:

Dr. Marzia Rahman
Department of Microbiology and Hygiene
Faculty of Veterinary Science
Bangladesh Agricultural University (BAU)

Dr. Marzia Rahman is a professor in the Department of Microbiology and Hygiene, Faculty of Veterinary Science, and a distinguished researcher contributing significantly to microbiology and veterinary health. Her research expertise includes bacteriophage therapy, antimicrobial resistance (AMR), food safety, and microbial risk reduction. She has also contributed to veterinary vaccine development, including vaccines against Egg Drop Syndrome (EDS), Avi bacterium paragallinarum, Newcastle Disease (ND), and Avian Influenza (AI).

She holds a PhD in Biomedical Science from Kyungpook National University, South Korea (2012), and both an MS in Microbiology (2004) and DVM (2001) from Bangladesh Agricultural University. With 82 scientific publications, Dr. Rahman maintains a strong research presence and continues to advance knowledge in animal health, inspiring students, researchers, and the wider scientific community.

Dr. Wajid Ameen Mirza
Faculty of Public Health (Epidemiology & Biostatistics)
Health Services Academy (HSA), Islamabad

Dr. Wajid Ameen Mirza is a public health professional and academician specializing in Epidemiology and Biostatistics. He holds a PhD in Epidemiology & Biostatistics from Zhengzhou University (China), an MSPH from the Health Services Academy (HSA), Islamabad, and a DVM from the University of Agriculture, Faisalabad.

He serves as an Assistant Professor at HSA, where he teaches Epidemiology and Biostatistics to MSPH and PhD students, supervises research projects, and contributes to academic development and student capacity building. He also supports awareness initiatives on HIV/AIDS and regularly presents at national and international conferences. Dr. Mirza is a subject expert for HSA’s new Postgraduate Diploma in One Health and Pandemic Preparedness. Dr. Mirza has worked in public health research, IPC programming, and field coordination, including with Jhpiego (Johns Hopkins affiliate), where he contributed to multi-province IPC programs and WHO IPCAF assessments. He also has clinical experience from urgent care settings in the United States.

His research focuses on infectious diseases, vitamin D deficiency, molecular epidemiology, and zoonotic diseases, with publications in Frontiers in Public Health, FEMS Microbiology Letters, and other international journals.

Kindly follow the link for Registration: Click Here

Contact Person:   

Md. Rakibul Hasan
Junior Program Manager
Email:  jpmrakib@comstech.org

Date: 29 December, 2025 – 5 January, 2026
Venue: OIC-COMSTECH Secretariat, Islamabad, Pakistan.
Deadline for Applications: October 30, 2025

About the Camp

The BURAQ Space Camp, now in its 19th edition, is a flagship initiative designed to inspire and empower young minds in the fields of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM). Being held this year under the esteemed patronage of OIC-COMSTECH, this immersive program will bring together students from across OIC member states to collaborate, innovate, and explore solutions to pressing global challenges.

For over three decades, BURAQ has provided high-quality extracurricular training to students aged 14–17, fostering critical thinking, creativity, and teamwork. This year, participants will benefit from the state-of-the-art facilities of OIC-COMSTECH in Islamabad, Pakistan, where they will engage in hands-on projects, leadership activities, and mentorship from leading experts in academia and industry.

Our Mission

BURAQ’s mission is to prepare the next generation to think beyond traditional boundaries and to harness today’s resources responsibly for the benefit of future generations. Through experiential learning and dynamic team-based challenges, the program aims to cultivate resilience, creativity, and innovation in young learners.

Our Goals

The 19th BURAQ Space Camp seeks to:

• Advance STEM education while aligning with the UN Sustainable Development Goals and the Paris Agreement.
• Build global networks of like-minded youth committed to sustainability and innovation.
• Promote collaboration, discipline, and leadership among students from diverse backgrounds.

Program Highlights

• Team-Based Learning: Students are placed in diverse teams, living and working together to solve real-world problems.
• Sustainability Focus: Each team selects a UN Sustainable Development Goal to design a startup-style social enterprise using STEM-driven solutions.
• Expert Mentorship: Participants interact with world-class academics, practitioners, and role models who provide inspiration and guidance.
• Leadership Development: Senior student leaders mentor their peers, cultivating essential leadership and teamwork skills.
• Immersive Experience: An intensive eight-day residential program running from 6:00 AM to 10:00 PM, with a curated schedule of academic sessions, interactive workshops, team-building exercises, and physical activities.

Why Join?

By participating in the BURAQ Space Camp, students not only enhance their scientific and problem-solving skills but also gain a unique opportunity to contribute toward a sustainable future. The camp nurtures a sense of responsibility, collaboration, and global citizenship, preparing youth to lead in their academic, professional, and personal journeys.

For further information and registration: https://www.buraqsociety.org/about

Venue: Benadir University, Somalia

Flyer: Click Here

The Oncology Training Course at Benadir University, Somalia, scheduled for November 3-7, 2025, is a significant educational endeavor aimed at enhancing the expertise of healthcare professionals in oncology. This training is designed to provide a comprehensive understanding of cancer, its causes, and the various approaches to its management. With the rising incidence of cancer worldwide, it is imperative for medical practitioners to stay up to date with the latest advancements and methodologies in oncology to improve patient outcomes.

Importance of the Workshop:

• Enhancing Knowledge: The training will equip participants with a foundational understanding of oncology, focusing on the biological nature of cancer and the principles of cancer aetiology.
• Multidisciplinary Approach: Emphasizing the importance of a multidisciplinary approach, the course will cover the collaborative management of cancer, highlighting that curative treatment is just one aspect of comprehensive cancer care.
• Prevention and Early Detection: Participants will learn about the principles of cancer prevention, early detection, and screening, which are critical in reducing cancer incidence and improving survival rates.
• Non-Surgical Treatments: The course will delve into the principles underlying non-surgical treatments for cancer, broadening the therapeutic options available to healthcare providers.

Topics to be Covered:

• Introduction to Oncology and the Biological Nature of Cancer
• Principles of Cancer Aetiology and Major Causative Factors
• Multidisciplinary Management of Cancer
• Curative Treatment as a Component of Overall Cancer Management
• Principles of Cancer Prevention, Early Detection, and Screening
• Principles Underlying Non-Surgical Treatments for Cancer
• Distinction Between Palliative Care and End-of-Life Care
• Principles of Palliative Care

Who Can Attend?

This comprehensive course is designed for a wide range of medical professionals and students dedicated to improving cancer care in the OIC Member States. These include:

• Medical Students & Recent Graduates: Ideal for those seeking a foundational understanding of oncology, from cancer biology to multidisciplinary treatment and palliative care principles.
• Practicing Healthcare Providers: Essential for general practitioners, nurses, interns, and clinical officers who are often the first point of contact for patients and play a critical role in early detection and ongoing management.
• Public Health Professionals & Policymakers: Highly beneficial for individuals involved in community health, aiming to develop effective cancer prevention, screening, and public education strategies.

About the Resource Person:

Dr. Asghar H. Asghar

MBBS, M.Sc, FCPS, Consultant Clinical Oncologist

Deputy Chief Medical Officer

Director KIRAN Hospital, Karachi, Pakistan.

Dr. Asghar H. Asghar is a seasoned Consultant Clinical Oncologist affiliated with KIRAN and Memon Medical Institute, Karachi. With over 25 years of experience, he specializes in the management of all cancer types and is well-trained in chemotherapy, radiotherapy (IMRT, VMAT), brachytherapy, and immunotherapy. Dr. Asghar is also proficient in using Eclipse and Monaco radiation contouring software developed by Varian and Elekta, respectively.

He holds a Master’s in Nuclear Medicine from PIEAS and FCPS in Radiation Oncology. A founding member of the City Tumor Board, he is also a supervisor and examiner for CPSP and regularly facilitates research methodology workshops. Dr. Asghar actively contributes to national and international oncology forums and is a motivational speaker for PAEC. He is a member of ASCO, ESMO, FARO, PSCO, RSP, and PMA. In 2016, he received the Gold Medal from the Pakistan Atomic Energy Commission for his outstanding contributions to oncology.

Registration Process:

Step 1: For Physical Participation, please register at (Somalia Only) : Click Here

Step 2:  For Virtual Participation, please register at: Click Here

Selected candidates will be notified through email hence; applicants are required to regularly check their emails.

Technical Focal Person:

Dr. Mohamed Abdullaahi Awale,
Dean, Faculty of Medicine,
Benadir University, Somalia

Training Coordinator:

Muhammad Haseeb Ahmad
Program Officer, COMSTECH                               
haseeb.ahmad@comstech.org

Course Details:

This certificate course is designed exclusively for diplomats, policymakers, and representatives from OIC member states and other countries who wish to enhance their understanding of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and its global impact. The program focuses on providing a comprehensive overview of AI fundamentals, its key domains, and its transformative role in governance, diplomacy, education, and sustainable development.

The course will emphasize the importance of AI in shaping international cooperation, policy formulation, and strategic decision-making, particularly for resource-constrained nations. Participants will also gain insights into how AI can be harnessed to support innovation, strengthen institutions, and address cross-border challenges in the Muslim world and beyond.

Learning Objectives:

By the end of this course, the participants will:

• Understand the fundamentals of AI and its key domains.
• Explore the role of AI in diplomacy, governance, and international collaboration.
• Gain practical insights into global best practices and policy frameworks.
• Identify opportunities for adopting AI in national and institutional development.
• Strengthen their capacity to engage in AI-driven discussions at regional and international platforms.

Target Audience:

• Diplomats from OIC member, observer, and other countries
• Policy makers engaged in Science, Technology, Health, and Education
• Senior Representatives of International Organizations
• Leaders involved in Innovation, Strategic Planning, and Global Partnerships

Course Modules:

1. Fundamentals of AI & Global Diplomacy

• Types of AI: Narrow AI, General AI, Generative AI
• Domains of AI: Machine Learning, NLP, Robotics, Computer Vision
• Role of AI in governance, diplomacy & international relations
  Exercise: Group activity- Map AI domains to real-world diplomatic challenges

2. AI Tools for Diplomats

• Drafting speeches, policy briefs & negotiation notes with AI
• Real-time translation & communication support
• AI for policy research & knowledge management
   Exercise: Hands-on –  Use AI to draft a short diplomatic statement

3. Responsible & Strategic Use of AI

• Ethics, bias & disinformation risks
• AI in decision-making & crisis response
• Building a personal AI action plan for diplomacy
  Exercise: Case study simulation – Apply AI insights in a mock crisis scenario

Expected outcomes:

• Gain a clear understanding of AI fundamentals and key domains.
• Explore AI’s role in global governance, diplomacy, and sustainable development.
• Learn from international best practices and policy frameworks.
• Strengthen the ability to represent national interests in global AI forums.
• Identify opportunities for AI-driven collaboration among OIC member states.

• Poster of Certificated Course: 

• Date: 14^th -October-2025

• Timing: 01:00 – 04:30PM (Pakistan Standard Time)

• Procedure to join: In-Person

• Registration link:

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

Registration form: Click Here

Delivered by “Prof. Dr. Mohammad Abdollahi”
School of Pharmacy & Pharmaceutical Sciences Research Center (PSRC)
Tehran University of Medical Sciences (TUMS)

Online Only

Date and Time: 23rd December 2024, 1500 hrs Pakistan Time

Flyer: Click Here

Abstract:
Climate change is a significant challenge for humanity in the 21st century. Global warming and air pollution are two of its most recognized sequelae. Human intervention is primarily responsible for the current alarming rate of climate change. The increasing concentration of greenhouse gases results in global warming, which can have several pathophysiological effects on the human body. It can aggravate pre-existing conditions, cause premature death, and increase the risk of various neurological disorders. Air pollution is a significant concern as it can negatively affect human health. Common air pollutants include PM, NO2, SO2, CO, and O3. Burning fossil fuels is the leading cause of elevated levels of air pollutants. PM2.5 alone contributes to 800,000 deaths yearly and can lead to neurological disorders. Air pollution is also closely linked to respiratory and cerebrovascular diseases. Tackling air pollution and global warming together is crucial for reducing harmful effects.

Brief profile of the speaker:
Prof. Dr. Mohammad Abdollahi achieved the remarkable honor of being the youngest full Professor at TUMS in 2002, a testament to his exceptional academic prowess and leadership capabilities. Throughout his career, he has taken on significant roles, including chairing the Department of Toxicology & Pharmacology and the Iranian Society of Toxicology and Poisoning. With over 900 published papers and 300 book chapters, all in collaboration with his students, he has garnered approximately 80,000 citations, boasting an impressive H-index exceeding 130. His dedicated research in Mechanistic Toxicology and Pharmacology highlights the critical effects of environmental toxicants on public health, especially within the context of climate change.

Who Should Attend?
Early stage researchers, students, relevant personnels, and public health practitioners.

Registration Link: Click Here
Registration outcome will be shared through email, therefore, please give your valid email address.

For more information, please contact:
Ms. Khazima Muazim
Program Manager COMSTECH
khazima@comstech.org