The Secretary General of the Commonwealth of Nations, the Rt Hon. Patricia Scotland KC, led a seven-member delegation to visit the Secretariat of the Commission on Science and Technology for Sustainable Development in the South (COMSATS) on July 30, 2024. H.E. Dr. Khalid Maqbool Siddiqui, Federal Minister for Science and Technology & Federal Education and Professional Training, Government of Pakistan, graced the occasion with his presence. The visiting delegation held a bilateral meeting with the Executive Director COMSATS, Ambassador Dr. Mohammad Nafees Zakaria and his team.

The two intergovernmental organizations have nine common member countries, and share the objective of facilitating international cooperation in science and technology for sustainable development. COMSATS is an accredited organization of the Commonwealth and is cooperating in various fields, including digital health, since 2018.

The Minister noted that Pakistan has a youth bulge of 64% of the population, which needed to be converted into an asset by imparting necessary skills enabling them to contribute to the country’s socio-economic development.

The Secretary General Commonwealth stated that the future is technologically driven, and therefore considered it important to provide opportunities to the youth for training and education. In this regard, she highlighted the Commonwealth’s ongoing endeavors such as AI Academy, training courses for leaders, Common Space initiative, etc.

The Executive Director recalled COMSATS’ relationship and cooperation with the Commonwealth, as well as highlighted the organization’s key programs and activities. He underscored COMSATS’ commitment to facilitate its member countries in keeping pace with scientific and technological developments. He expressed pleasure that COMSATS won an award from the Commonwealth Centre for Digital Health (CWCDH).

The two sides held substantive discussion on cooperation in various fields such as IT and AI, Cyber Security, Cloud Computing, Fintech, Tech-enabled Health Clinics, EV and Climate Change, and expressed a strong desire to work together for the benefit of developing countries, particularly their common members. They exchanged information on their ongoing and planned programs and activities. The Secretary General expressed keen interest in digital health and biotechnology related activities.

The Ambassadors/Diplomats of Ghana, Jordan, Kazakhstan, Morocco, Nigeria, Palestine, Tunisia and Yemen graced the occasion to greet and meet the Secretary General Commonwealth. The delegation also visited COMSATS Technology Park and witnessed the functioning of COMSATS Telehealth Program. The Secretary General and Minister MoST also planted trees at the Secretariat to mark the beginning of a strong and enduring relationship.