Speakers Call For Exchange Of Resources, Technology Among Developing Countries Of Global South

Speakers at a forum conducted to celebrate United Nations Day for South-South Cooperation endorsed the importance of cooperation for exchange of resources

ISLAMABAD, Sept 12 (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 12th Sep, 2017 ) : Speakers at a forum conducted to celebrate United Nations Day for South-South Cooperation endorsed the importance of cooperation for exchange of resources, technology, as well as knowledge between the developing countries of the global south.

The forum, themed "2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development", was organized by the Commission on Science and Technology for Sustainable Development in the South (COMSATS) in collaboration with the Institute of Peace and Diplomatic Studies (IPD) on September 12, 2017.

In his welcome address, the Executive Director COMSATS, Dr. S. M. Junaid Zaidi introduced COMSATS as the highest level forum for Science and Technology of the South, with Heads of States comprising its Commission.

He said that collaboration is sought from the institutions and organizations in the North to increase the efficacy of the organization's efforts for South-South cooperation in S&T for sustainable development.

Zhao Lijian, Deputy Head of Mission, Embassy of People's Republic of China to Pakistan, noted that China is on the mission and planned to eradicate poverty by 2020 and attributed its development to the efforts made in this regard related to having proper laws and other relevant advancements.

Walid Abu Ali, Ambassador of State of Palestine to Pakistan, expressed his country's commitment to South-South Cooperation despite being under occupation. He also highlighted the need to prioritize Africa while making such efforts and enhance the continent's representation in Science and technology-led platforms, like COMSATS.

Anne Marchal, Deputy Head of Mission, Delegation of the European Union to Pakistan, noted that Science, Technology and Innovation are powerful tools and by 2014-2020 targets of European Union are to enhance education and governance, provide public services, and contribute to peace and development.

Esam Alqararah, Country Head, United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO), stated that his organization is working to promote South-South Cooperation not only through public sector but also private sector and NGOs.

He looked forward to having effective collaborations with COMSATS for reaching out to its member states with relevant initiatives. Speaking on the occasion, Shakeel Ahmad, Assistant Country Director (Development Policy Unit), United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), highlighted the financial aspects of the Sustainable Development Goals and said that despite a fewer opportunities than challenges, the global South is emerging, but the transition from under developed state to developed state will take time.

Ambassador (retd) Shahid Kamal, Advisor, Centre for Climate Research and Development (CCRD), COMSATS Institute of Information Technology (CIIT), Islamabad shared his thoughts regarding the growing importance of the South, relevance and increasing involvement of North, role of Science and Technology in South-South Cooperation, and collaborative partnerships and programmes.

Farhat Asif, Founder President, Institute of Peace and Diplomatic Studies, concluded the event with a vote of thanks. The event, held in Islamabad, had a strong representation from foreign missions in Islamabad, academia, R&D institutions and government representatives of Pakistan, as well as think tanks, international organization, and media.