Islamabad, 27 January 2026 – The UNESCO Representative in Pakistan, Dr. Fuad Pashayev, paid a courtesy call on Ambassador Dr. Mohammad Nafees Zakaria, Executive Director of the Commission on Science and Technology for Sustainable Development in the South (COMSATS), at the COMSATS Secretariat.
The meeting focused on reinforcing institutional cooperation between COMSATS and the UNESCO Office in Pakistan, with emphasis on practical collaboration aligned with the mandates and thematic priorities of both organizations. Discussions highlighted the role of science, technology, and innovation (STI) in supporting sustainable development in Pakistan, as the host country, and across COMSATS Member States. The two organizations maintain an established partnership formalized through a Memorandum of Understanding signed at UNESCO Headquarters in Paris in 2015.
Ambassador Dr. Zakaria briefed the UNESCO Representative on COMSATS’ mandate, programmatic focus, and key initiatives. He highlighted ongoing work in indigenous Electric Vehicle (EV) technologies, the COMSATS Telehealth (CTH) network, and the COMSATS Centre for Climate and Sustainability (CCCS). He also outlined COMSATS’ continued efforts in capacity building, technical training, and institutional partnerships aimed at strengthening national STI systems in Member States.
Emphasizing COMSATS’ role as a platform for technology cooperation and knowledge exchange, the Executive Director underscored opportunities for jointly developed initiatives tailored to the needs of Member States. He noted the potential for pilot interventions applying science, engineering, and digital solutions to priority areas such as healthcare access, climate resilience, and sustainable development.
The discussion included the COMSATS Telehealth (CTH) programme, particularly its contribution to improving access to healthcare services in remote and underserved areas. Dr. Pashayev acknowledged the value of such scalable digital health models and encouraged consideration of their broader regional relevance.
Dr. Pashayev appreciated COMSATS’ sustained engagement in advancing STI-driven development in the Global South. He also shared perspectives on development challenges faced by Member States, as well as operational pressures affecting multilateral institutions.
The meeting also covered the UN80 initiative, focusing on efforts within the UN system to improve effectiveness, coordination, and delivery. In the context of Pakistan’s high climate vulnerability, Dr. Pashayev emphasized the importance of regional and international partnerships. The Executive Director highlighted CCCS’ role in climate-related capacity building, technical support, and engagement at national, regional, and global levels.
The meeting concluded with a mutual understanding to pursue more structured and results-oriented cooperation between COMSATS and UNESCO through practical initiatives aligned with shared sustainable development priorities.
