2 September 2026 – The Commission on Science and Technology for Sustainable Development in the South (COMSATS) and the Yemen National Academy of Young Scientists (YEM-SCI) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to strengthen cooperation in science, technology and innovation (STI), capacity building, higher education, and scientific research.

The MoU was signed at the COMSATS Secretariat in Islamabad by Ambassador Dr. Mohammad Nafees Zakaria, Executive Director COMSATS, and Dr. Abdulrahman Al-Salehi, Student Advisor, Embassy of the Republic of Yemen in Pakistan, on behalf of the two organizations.

The signing ceremony was attended by diplomats from Jordan, Palestine, Sri Lanka, Zimbabwe, and Yemen along with representatives of international organizations. Dr. Ahmed M. Othman, Deputy President, YEM-SCI, and other officials of the Academy also joined the ceremony virtually.

Speaking on the occasion, Ambassador Dr. Mohammad Nafees Zakaria highlighted the importance of South-South scientific cooperation and emphasized the need to create greater opportunities for young scientists, researchers and institutions to connect with the wider COMSATS Network. He noted that stronger institutional linkages can play an important role in building scientific capacities and supporting sustainable development.

The Ambassador of the Republic of Yemen to Pakistan, H.E. Mr. Mohammed Motahar Alashabi, also addressed the gathering and underscored the importance of strengthening scientific and institutional ties between Pakistan and Yemen.

The MoU provides a framework for cooperation in several areas, including postgraduate training and scholarships, joint Centres of Excellence, virtual training and digital learning, faculty development, research collaboration, scientific exchange, institutional capacity building, technology transfer, and resource mobilization.

Particular emphasis has been placed on creating opportunities for young Yemeni scientists and researchers through access to training, scholarships, scientific exchanges and collaboration with relevant Centres of Excellence within the COMSATS Network.

The MoU marks an important step towards strengthening Pakistan-Yemen cooperation in science, technology and innovation and advancing South-South collaboration for scientific capacity building and sustainable development.