SESRIC participated in the 6^th Meeting of the Steering Committee for the OIC STI Agenda 2026, which was held in a hybrid format on 22–24 April 2025 at COMSTECH Headquarters in Islamabad, Pakistan.

Mr. Mazhar HUSSAIN, Director of Economic and Social Research, joined virtually, while Mr. Seyid Tahir MAHMUD, Senior Researcher at the Statistics and Information Department, represented SESRIC in person.

The meeting brought together member institutions of the Committee to review the progress of ongoing initiatives, exchange experiences, and discuss upcoming programmes in the field of science, technology, and innovation. Key discussions focused on the implementation challenges and achievements under the STI Agenda 2026.

During the meeting, Mr. HUSSAIN briefed the participants on the technical activities and programmes of SESRIC implemented in the field of science and technology since the last Steering Committee meeting in March 2022. He highlighted SESRIC’s contribution towards achieving the goals of the STI Agenda 2026 by providing reliable data, conducting evidence-based research, and organising capacity-building programmes across sectors like STI, education, health, water, agriculture, environment, and energy.

Since March 2022, SESRIC has produced 11 technical research reports and 6 statistical publications, offering valuable insights into the status and progress of STI priorities within the OIC. In line with its mandate, SESRIC has also organised 111 capacity-building activities—both in person and virtually— engaging over 7,200 experts and professionals from national institutions in member countries. These efforts reflect SESRIC’s continuous commitment to enhancing institutional and human capacities through South-South cooperation and peer learning in OIC member countries.

The meeting concluded with a renewed commitment to accelerating implementation efforts, fostering deeper collaboration, and fully leveraging the power of science, technology, and innovation to tackle the pressing challenges faced by the Islamic world.

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