On March 4, 2025, Ambassador Dr. M. Nafees Zakaria, Executive Director of the Commission on Science and Technology for Sustainable Development in the South (COMSATS), held a virtual meeting with Dr. Marcelo Knobel, the recently appointed Executive Director of The World Academy of Sciences (TWAS), Italy. The discussions focused on revitalizing institutional collaboration, aligning strategic priorities, and advancing joint initiatives to promote scientific innovation and sustainable development. The meeting began with introductory remarks from both Executive Directors, emphasizing the shared goals of their organizations.
The World Academy of Sciences (TWAS) played a pivotal role in the inception of COMSATS, spearheaded by the visionary leadership of Nobel Laureate Prof. Abdus Salam. This historic partnership was further formalized through a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed in 2000, facilitating collaborative research initiatives, engagement in joint programs, strengthening global scientific networks, and the exchange of valuable scientific resources, including publications and databases.
Ambassador Zakaria provided a comprehensive overview of COMSATS, emphasizing its establishment in 1994 by Prof. Abdus Salam with the core mission of bridging the knowledge and technology divide between the Global South and North. He underscored the instrumental role of COMSATS’ Network of 25 Centres of Excellence in driving scientific cooperation and capacity building among its member states.
Dr. Knobel expressed keen interest in gaining deeper insights into COMSATS’ operational framework. Ambassador Zakaria elaborated on the governance structure of COMSATS, detailing the functions of its statutory bodies, including the General Meeting, the Consultative Committee, the Coordinating Council, and the Secretariat. He further highlighted COMSATS’ strategic partnerships with international and intergovernmental organizations in pursuit of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Additionally, he presented an overview of COMSATS’ recent initiatives in cutting-edge domains such as artificial intelligence-driven data analytics, IT training, precision agriculture, renewable energy, and electric mobility solutions.
Ambassador Zakaria outlined a range of forward-looking initiatives that COMSATS is actively pursuing, including the establishment of a state-of-the-art Nanotechnology Laboratory at the COMSATS Secretariat. He emphasized the potential for collaboration with TWAS in this domain, a prospect that Dr. Knobel acknowledged with great interest, expressing openness to further exploring joint opportunities.
A key focus of the discussion was the review and renewal of the longstanding MoU between COMSATS and TWAS. Ambassador Zakaria noted that while the original agreement was well-structured and comprehensive, certain elements, particularly those related to emerging technological advancements, warranted enhancement. Both parties concurred on the need for a strategic revision of the MoU, identifying priority areas for collaboration and outlining actionable steps for its effective implementation.
Ambassador Zakaria and Dr. Knobel underscored the importance of corporate responsibility in addressing global challenges, particularly in the realm of climate change. They reaffirmed their commitment to working together regularly in this domain, sharing forthcoming activities and strategically mobilizing scientific and technological resources for transformational development. Both agreed to exchange areas of interest and explore further collaborative opportunities. Availing the opportunity, Dr. Knobel extended an invitation to Ambassador Zakaria to participate in the upcoming 17th TWAS General Conference, scheduled from September 29 to October 2, 2025, further strengthening institutional ties between COMSATS and TWAS.
