International Conference on:
“Strengthening STI Policy Implementation for Achieving the SDGs: Challenges and Pathways to Solutions”
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Date
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Venue
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Format
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Time
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December 8, 2025
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COMSTECH Secretariat, Islamabad, Pakistan
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Hybrid
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10-14 (Pakistan Time, GMT +5)
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1. Context
Humanity faces complex challenges: climate change, health crises, food insecurity, and social inequalities, all intensified by environmental degradation and demographic pressures. Addressing these challenges demands coordinated global efforts built upon innovation, scientific knowledge, and sustainable practices. Science, Technology, and Innovation (STI) lie at the heart of transformative solutions needed to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by 2030, the African Union’s Agenda 2063, and the OIC’s Agenda 2026. However, despite significant progress in policy formulation, STI policy implementation across many developing countries remains constrained by:
- Weak inter-sectoral coordination;
- Limited monitoring and evaluation frameworks;
- Short-term political priorities overshadowing long-term development goals; and
- Insufficient inclusion of youth, women, and marginalized groups.
Unfortunately, despite the efforts made to define STI policies here and there, it must be recognized that implementation mechanisms face constraints such as a lack of coordination, sometimes counterproductive political measures, the difficulty of measuring policy performance and the potential mismatch between short-term political interests and long-term societal objectives. Therefore, it becomes urgent to conduct a detailed analysis of the various bottlenecks for the implementation of STI policies in countries and to propose solutions that can ensure their effectiveness and alignment with the SDGs; notably the “Leave No One Behind” principle, which is a fundamental commitment to end poverty and reduce all inequalities, giving priority to the most vulnerable and marginalized people.
Faced with these persistent obstacles, COMSTECH and COMSATS University in Islamabad took the initiative to jointly organize this international conference, which aims to strengthen the capacity of policymakers, researchers and practitioners to design and implement mechanisms for the implementation of inclusive and evidence-based STI policies, in line with the SDGs.
2. Aim and Objective
The training aim is to strengthen participants’ capacity to develop, implement, and evaluate STI policies that are coherent with national priorities and the SDGs. Participants will analyze implementation challenges, learn from best practices, and identify actionable strategies for transparent, participatory, and inclusive policymaking.
Following are the Objectives of Training:
- To enhance understanding of STI policy design and implementation mechanisms.
- To identify bottlenecks and constraints hindering policy effectiveness.
- To share good practices and innovative solutions from OIC and global contexts.
- To foster networking and collaboration among STI policymakers, researchers, and innovators.
- To draft a technical framework for developing and implementing effective STI policies.
3. Topics to be covered
a. Conceptual and Analytical Frameworks
- Methodological approaches for the design and implementation of STI policies and instruments
- Alignment of STI policies and instruments with the SDGs
- Mechanisms for monitoring STI policies and evaluating their performance
b. Implementation Challenges and Case Analyses
- Constraints in the development and implementation of STI policies
- Governance, Success/Failure
- Gender perspectives and inclusion in STI policymaking
c. Solutions and Future Directions
- Good practices for SDG-aligned STI policies implemented
- Recommended solutions for a transparent, participatory, inclusive, and evidence-based STI policymaking process capable of addressing challenges.
- Policy tools, Multi-stakeholder collaboration
4. Training content
The training will be in the form of interactive sessions alternating theoretical presentations and discussions. Two training sessions of two hours each are proposed and structured around the basic elements (1) conceptual framework of STI policies, (2) youth innovation and entrepreneurship to respond to global challenges related to the SDGs, (3) diagnosis of constraints to the implementation of STI policies, (4) solutions and strategies for the development and implementation of effective STI policies, and (5) analysis of cases of success or failure in the implementation of STI policies.
5. Profile of the speakers
- Senior STI policy experts
- Researchers
- STI policy managers
- Private sector STI policy experts
- Civil society members
- Think Thanks
6. Target audience
- Scientific community (researchers, teachers, students, etc.)
- Industrialists (including innovators)
- Policymakers and government officials in STI sectors Civil society actors
- Development actors
- Local elected officials
- Learners
- Representatives of industry and innovation ecosystems
- Civil society and youth organizations
- Development partners and local government officials
7. Invited institutions
- Pakistan Science Foundation (PSF)
- President Academy of Science
- Higher Education Commission (HEC)
- Association of Private Sector Universities of Pakistan (APSUP)
- Ministry of Science and Technology (MOST)
- Sustainable Development Policy Institute (SDPI)
- Islamabad Policy Research Institute
- National Defense University (NDU) Pakistan
- National University of Sciences and Technology (NUST)
- Planning Commission of Pakistan
- Qatar Charity in Pakistan
- TUBITAK, Turkiye
- International Science, Technology and Innovation Centre (ISTIC, Malaysia)
- Iranian Research Organization for Science and Technology (IROST, Iran)
- National Research Centre (NRC), Egypt
- Academy of Scientific Research and Technology (ASRT, Egypt)
- WUACD, Indonesia
- SESRIC
- OIC-GS, ASG Science & Technology
REGIISTRATION LINK: https://forms.gle/NCoPfUWsmXzBwWmX9
8. Agenda
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Time
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Themes
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Speakers
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Opening ceremony
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10 : 00 - 10 : 10
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Recitation of Holy Quran
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Welcome address:
Prof M. Iqbal Choudhary, Mustafa (PBUH) Laureate Priz, HI,SI,TI,
Coordinator General OCI-COMSTECH
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10 : 10 - 10 : 30
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SESSION 1:
« Conceptual and implementation frameworks for STI policies aligned with the SDGs »
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Dr. Hammad Omer, Head International Office (PS) COMSATS University Islamabad
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10 : 30 - 10 : 35
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Questions/Answers
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10 : 35 - 10 : 55
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SESSION 2:
« Continental Frameworks and STI Policies for the SDGs »
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Dr. Kalsoom Sumra
COMSATS University Islamabad
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10 : 55 – 11 : 00
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Questions/Answers
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11 : 00 – 11 : 20
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SESSION 3:
« Youth Innovation and Entrepreneurship to Address Global Challenges »
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Prof. Dr. Muazzam Khattak, Director S&T, Quaid-i-Azam University, Park
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11 : 20 – 11 : 25
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Questions/Answers
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11 : 25 – 11 : 45
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SESSION 4:
«Evidence-based STI policies for political decision-making »
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Dr. Mitra Aminlou
National Research Institute for Science Policy (NRISP), Iran
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11 : 45 – 11 : 50
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Questions/Answers
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11 : 50 – 12 : 00
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Refreshments
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12 : 00 - 12 : 20
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SESSION 5:
«Diagnosis of constraints in implementing STI policies »
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Dr. Ismaila Diallo, Advisor-COMSTECH
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12 : 20 - 12 : 25
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Questions/Answers
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12 : 25 - 12 : 45
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SESSION 6:
« Gender Perspective in STI Policies »
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Dr Jaweria Ambreen,
COMSATS University Islamabad
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12 : 45 - 12 : 50
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Questions/Answers
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12 : 50 - 13 : 10
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SESSION 7:
« Multiple Mechanisms for monitoring STI Policies and Evaluating their Performance »
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To be Confirmed by RASHID COMSTECH
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13 : 10 - 13 : 15
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Questions/Answers
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13 : 15 - 13 : 35
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SESSION 8:
« Analysis of cases of success or failure in the implementation of STI policies »
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Dr. Tariq Mahmood Ali
Dean, Healt Service Academy, Islamabad
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13 : 35 - 13 : 40
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Questions/Answers
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13 : 40 - 13 : 50
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Draft a technical framework for developing and implementing effective STI policies
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Dr. Ismaila Diallo, Advisor-COMSTECH
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13 : 50 - 14 : 00
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Closing Remarks and Refreshments
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14 : 00
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LUNCH
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4432 International Conference on Role of Green Productivity in Transition to Cleaner Energy, 15 December 2025, by Philippines and APO Japan, International Scholarship Programs (Online Zoom)
Description:
I am directed to refer to the appended email on the subject, as well as the attached letter received from the Higher Education Commission, regarding the participation of faculty members in the International Conference on Role of Green Productivity in Transition to Cleaner Energy, 15 December 2025.
1. 25-CP-22-GE-CON-A: Conference on Role of Green Productivity in Transition to Cleaner Energy, by Philippines and APO Secretariat, Japan on 15 December 2025, (online/zoom-03 hours session), NPO Deadline: 27 November 2025.
3. Case of only shortlisted nominees will forward to APO, Japan for further evaluation.
4. Processing Fee (Prerequisite) Non-refundable: PKR 1,500/- per applicant for Public Sector and PKR 2,500/- per applicant for Private Sector. Fee payment receipt in both cases either cash deposit in bank or online payment should be attached with APO Biodata Form (bank details are available at NPO website).
5. In case of selection, participants will participate in the program virtually using their own devices, applications and internet Connections, etc.
It is also highlighted that this is an online opportunity with no financial cost to CUI.
In view of the above, you are requested to kindly disseminate this opportunity among the faculty members and encourage them to avail this valuable online opportunity.
4432 International Conference on Role of Green Productivity in Transition to Cleaner Energy, 15 December 2025, by Philippines and APO Japan, International Scholarship Programs (Online Zoom)
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Unlocking Tomorrow: CUI Hosts Online Talk on the Future of Marketing in the Age of AI
On September 29, 2025, the International Office of CUI successfully organized an online talk on “Unlocking Tomorrow: The Future of Marketing in the Age of AI” by Dr. Farrah Arif, Deputy Director of Education and Associate Professor in Marketing and Communications at Queen Mary University of London, UK.
Students from Islamabad Campus’ Department of Management Sciences joined the lively session physically at the Videoconferencing Room. The event, moderated by students of BBA Mr. Talha Ahmed and Ms. Amna Bibi, opened with Quranic verses, formal introductions of COMSATS University Islamabad and its International Office led by Dr. Hammad Omer, T.I., and a special acknowledgment of CUI’s growing global footprint. Dr. Omer, himself a Commonwealth Scholar and recipient of the Tamgha-e-Imtiaz, also shared his connection with Dr. Farrah from their time in the UK back in 2008.
Joined virtually from the London, UK, Dr. Farrah delivered an engaging lecture tracing the journey of marketing through three key eras:
- Traditional Era – TV and radio as primary channels.
- Digital Era – dominance of social media platforms.
- AI-Driven Era – personalization through chatbots and intelligent systems.
She highlighted how companies like Amazon, Daraz, Netflix, Gama App, HBL, Foodpanda, Jazz, and Telenor are already embedding AI into their strategies, reshaping customer experiences. Tools such as HubSpot were discussed as examples of how AI is revolutionizing the marketing ecosystem—from personalized web strategies to AI-powered writing, visuals, and voice. Dr. Farrah encouraged students to responsibly use AI tools like ChatGPT for ideation and support, while underscoring that human creativity, critical thinking, and originality remain irreplaceable. She also highlighted AI content creation tools for writing texts, visual, video and audio like ChatGPT, Jasper, Midjourney, DALL-E, Synthesia, Runway ML, Descript, Murf.ai, etc. An interactive Q&A segment allowed students to engage directly with Dr. Farrah, who provided insightful answers to questions.
The talk overall presented the future of marketing in the age of AI as driven by hyper-personalization, predictive insights, and intelligent automation that are reshaping customer engagement worldwide, AI-powered tools now integrate writing, visuals, voice, and data analytics to deliver tailored strategies with unprecedented precision. Yet, amidst this transformation, human creativity, critical thinking, and ethical responsibility remain central to meaningful marketing. The talk left students inspired to embrace AI-driven innovation while upholding ethics and creativity in their future careers.
The session concluded with warm thanks, applause, and a group photograph.
View pictures
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We are pleased to share that the Department of Environmental Sciences, CUI Abbottabad, is co-organizing the upcoming International Conference on Green Sustainable Technology and Management (ICGSTM 2025) in collaboration with INTI International University, Malaysia (flyer attached)
The conference is themed: “Implementing the SDGs for a Changing World: Advancing SDGs for a Resilient Future”
Date: Wednesday, 16 July 2025
Time: 08:00 HRS (PST) onward
Primary Organizer & Venue: INTI International University, Nilai, Malaysia
Format: Hybrid (On-Campus & Online at CUI)
We are also pleased to share that the International Office of CUI is in close collaboration with INTI International University, Malaysia, and a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU)—already approved by the Government of Pakistan—will be formally signed soon. This strategic partnership strengthens academic and research ties between the two institutions.
This conference offers a platform for international collaboration and knowledge exchange across the following scientific tracks:
Track 1: Health & Life Sciences
Track 2: Engineering & Innovation Technology
CUI Abbottabad’s Department of Environmental Sciences will contribute actively to both tracks, facilitating SDG-centered academic dialogue among local and global participants.
All faculty and students are encouraged to join the conference virtually (Free Online Participation) via the following Microsoft Teams link:
Join Conversation – Microsoft Teams via:
Contact Email: icgstmcui2025@cuiatd.edu.pk
Please find attached file...
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The 3rd Harappa International Conference (3HIC 2025) successfully concluded with a grand closing ceremony followed by a delightful dinner!
The two-day event, organized by the Department of Architecture & Design, CUI Islamabad, brought together brilliant minds from across the globe — including international delegates and renowned architects — to explore and celebrate the future of architecture and design.
We were deeply honored by the presence of Prof. Dr. Sajid Qamar – Rector, COMSATS, Prof. Dr. Sohail Asghar – Incharge, CUI Islamabad Campus, HODs and our distinguished faculty members and principal seat officers.
A heartfelt thanks to Dean Faculty of Architecture & Design, Prof. Dr. Shahida Mansoor, and HoD Architecture Dept., Ms. Uzma Kabir, for their dedication and vision that made this international conference a remarkable success!
Held on 30th & 31st May 2025.
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