Leaders from top universities of Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) member states convened at the annual meeting of the COMSTECH Consortium of Excellence (CCoE) in Islamabad to promote inter-university collaboration in science, technology, health, and higher education. The gathering aimed to address the pressing challenges faced by the Muslim Ummah.
The meeting brought together Vice Chancellors, Rectors, and senior academics from countries including Palestine, Malaysia, Bangladesh, Oman, Jordan, Pakistan, Russia, Somalia, Uganda, Tanzania, Mauritania, Indonesia, and Iran. A high-level Chinese delegation, led by Prof. Dr. Zhao Yufen of Ningbo University, also participated.
A major highlight was the unveiling of COMSTECH’s two-phased Action Plan to enhance the global visibility of universities in OIC member states through institutional reforms. The plan emphasizes strengthening Institutional Quality Assurance Frameworks (IQAF) and building capacity to improve university rankings internationally. Universities were encouraged to register their interest, with COMSTECH experts set to prioritize engagement based on responses.
In his opening remarks, Prof. Dr. Muhammad Iqbal Choudhary, Coordinator General of COMSTECH, detailed key initiatives of the consortium to promote collaboration and capacity building across member states.
Key presentations during the event included: Initiatives by Ningbo University by Prof. Dr. Liu Xinmin, COMSTECH Inter-Library Network by Prof. Dr. Muhammad Akram Sheikh Improving University Rankings through Educational Reforms by Prof. Dr. Sayed Zia Batool
Guest of honor, Prof. Dr. Zhao Yufen, underscored the importance of Sino-COMSTECH collaboration in advancing science and technology. Other notable speakers included Prof. Dr. Niaz Ahmad Akhtar, Vice Chancellor of Quaid-i-Azam University Islamabad, and Prof. Dr. Aftab Ahmed Maroof, Rector of FAST.
The meeting also outlined a comprehensive 2025 Plan of Action, which focuses on capacity building, fostering joint projects, and restructuring Palestine’s education sector as part of its post-war recovery. Permanent mechanisms for sharing expertise and experience among universities were also discussed. The participants reaffirmed their solidarity with the people of Palestine, pledging full cooperation in rebuilding and rehabilitating the education sector in affected areas.
This high-level dialogue marks a pivotal step toward strengthening inter-university collaboration and improving the global standing of universities in OIC member states.
 member states convened at the annual meeting of the COMSTECH Consortium of Excellence (CCoE) in Islamabad to promote inter-university collaboration in science, technology, health, and higher education. The gathering aimed to address the pressing challenges faced by the Muslim Ummah.){kind=link}