Islamabad, December 5, 2024 – The Inter-Islamic Network on Information Technology (INIT) and the Yemen National Academy of Young Scientists (YEMSCI) formalized a strategic partnership by signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) at COMSATS University Islamabad (CUI). This agreement marks a significant step forward in fostering cooperation in the fields of education, research, and institutional development.

The MoU was signed by Dr. Tahir Naeem, Executive Director of INIT, and Engr. Ahmed Mohammed Ali, Deputy President of YEMSCI. Distinguished witnesses included H.E. Mohammed Motahar Alashabi, Ambassador of the Republic of Yemen to Pakistan, and Prof. Dr. Sajid Qamar, President (INIT)/ Rector, CUI. Other notable attendees included Prof. Dr. Sajjad A. Madani, Registrar CUI, Prof. Dr. Sohail Asghar, Incharge CUI Islamabad Campus, Mr. Muhammad Azam, Treasurer CUI, Dr. Hammad Omer, Head of CUI's International Office, Dr. Abdulrahman Al-Salehi, Member of YEMSCI, and Mr. M. Atiq ur Rehman, Senior Manager INIT/P&D and HRD, CUI.

This MoU serves as a formal understanding and an express resolve to advancing joint efforts in areas such as education and training, research and development, and capacity building. The agreement underscores shared priorities, including the development and implementation of training programs and workshops in information technology, as well as exchange programs for students, researchers, and faculty. Furthermore, the collaboration extends to conducting research projects in the cutting-edge fields like artificial intelligence, data science, and cybersecurity, along with publishing joint research findings to contribute to the global knowledge base.

Both parties emphasized the significance of institutional development as part of their collaboration. They agreed to explore opportunities for establishing IT-focused institutions in Yemen, leveraging INIT’s technical expertise and YEMSCI’s dedication to advancing scientific excellence. These efforts aim to strengthen the capacity of academic and research institutions, facilitate resource mobilization, and enhance infrastructure and curriculum development. The MoU also envisions cooperative initiatives in policy analysis, advisory roles, and organizing conferences and seminars to address critical issues in ICT and related areas.

YEMSCI, with its commitment to fostering innovation, research, and excellence in Yemen, seeks to build centers of excellence and international universities to integrate Yemen into the global scientific community. This collaboration with INIT, an intergovernmental organization hosted at COMSATS University Islamabad, represents a meaningful step toward achieving these goals. Both organizations expressed optimism about the transformative potential of this partnership, emphasizing its capacity to create opportunities for knowledge sharing, institutional strengthening, and addressing developmental challenges through technology-driven solutions.

The ceremony concluded with an exchange of souvenirs and a group photo, symbolizing the mutual respect and shared commitment of both organizations. This partnership is expected to open new avenues for cooperation and contribute significantly to advancing ICT-driven development in Yemen and across the broader OIC region.