From the platform of the Belt & Road International Innovation Development Institute Network (ANSO-BIDI Institute Network), COMSATS, joined hands with the Centre for Environmental Economics of the University of Chinese Academy of Sciences (CEE-UCAS), the Alliance of International Science Organizations (ANSO), and other members of the ANSO-BIDI Institute Network, to organize the seventh term of ANSO-BIDI School (online training) on ‘Innovation, Sustainable Development and Leadership Enhancement’. This prestigious program has successfully completed six terms during last three years, benefiting over 750 participants, among whom 400 were nominated by COMSATS Headquarters belonging to its member countries.

The aim of the current training program is to offer leaders and senior management scientific institutions in developing countries a platform for enhancing their knowledge and skills in advanced concepts related to innovation, sustainable development, and leadership enhancement. The online training would have 10 weekly modules spanning over 2.5 months during which distinguished professors/experts belonging to well-known universities in USA, Sweden, Belgium, Brazil, Poland, Canada, Switzerland and Germany will give lectures on several topics including supply chain risk management, basic science for facing global challenges, green finance, using real-options reasoning to value supply chain responsiveness and resilience; communicating (spatial) ‘data’ (carto)graphically; sustainability of business operation from three dimensions of environmental, social and corporate governance (ESG); disruptive technologies: the case of autonomous vehicles; brand value upgrading and sustainable development growth; manufacturing for the 21st century; etc.

The opening ceremony of the event was held virtually on 20th September 2023 which was attended by over 100 participants from various countries. Among others, 55 trainees belonging to various Centres of Excellence and Member Countries of COMSATS, including Egypt, Iran, Nigeria, Pakistan, Syria and Uganda, are participating in the training program, and were present during the opening ceremony.

The inauguration ceremony of the aforementioned training was opened by Prof. Desheng Wu, Dean of Sino-Danish College, UCAS, Director of the Research Centre for Environmental Economics of UCAS, China, Elected member of Academia Europaea, Elected member of European Academy of Sciences and Arts, and Elected member of International Eurasian Academy of Sciences. Moreover, various leaders from collaborating organizations of ANSO-BIDI Institute Network including Prof. Xiaowei Nie, Assistant Executive Director, the Secretariat of the Alliance of International Science Organizations (ANSO), China; Prof. Luiz Davidovich, President of the Brazilian Academy, Brazil; Ambassador Dr. Mohammad Nafees Zakaria, Executive Director COMSATS, Prof. Dr. Hasan MANDAL, President, The Scientific and Technological Research Council of Turkey (TUBITAK), Turkey; Dr. Yong Xie, Director of International Cooperation Office of the University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, China; Mr. Zoran Djikanovic, President, University of Donja Gorica, Montenegro; and Prof. Luis Seco, Professor, Department of Mathematical and Computational Sciences, Rotman School of Business, Department of Statistics, University of Toronto, Canada; participated in the opening ceremony and delivered speeches.

In his address, Ambassador Dr. Mohammad Nafees Zakaria, Executive Director, COMSATS, emphasized on the complexities of the modern world, marked by rapid changes in technology, demographics, environment, and geopolitics. He highlighted the multifaceted array of challenges and opportunities presented by this dynamic environment.

Ambassador Zakaria stressed the importance of giving top priority to high-quality education, research, development, and innovation in the fields of science and technology. He underlined the significance of nurturing visionary leaders in scientific research and development (R&D) organizations. Keeping in view that a nation’s socio-economic development and industrialization are closely linked to its scientific and technological capabilities. He expressed that contemporary challenges extend beyond boundaries and demand cooperative efforts on national, regional, and global scales, making international science and technology collaboration essential in addressing these issues.

Ambassador Zakaria reaffirmed COMSATS’ commitment to ongoing collaboration with the ANSO-BIDI Institute Network, focusing on advancing scientific excellence, capacity building, and leadership development in developing countries. He conveyed his sincere appreciation to the organizing committee, trainees, and subject experts (Resource Persons) for their contributions towards this significant event, and also expressed gratitude to the leaders of the partner organizations for their unwavering collaboration.

The opening ceremony was followed by first module of training course entitled ‘Dynamic Product Development and Pricing with Network Externalities’ which was conducted by Prof. John R. Birge, Professor of Operations Management at the University of Chicago, Booth School of Business, Chicago, Illinois, USA.