Islamic conference boosts S&T with new resolutions
Member states of the Organization of the Islamic Conference (OIC) have endorsed several resolutions to enhance science and technology capacity in the Islamic world.
The resolutions were announced at the OIC summit held in Dakar, Senegal, this month (13–14 March). They build on recommendations made in the Makkah declaration of 2005 (see Islamic states urged to follow 10-year science plan).
The resolutions call on the 57 member states to renew their commitment to developing science and technology by dedicating one per cent of their gross domestic product to research and development.
They are asked to invest more in advanced technologies, such as nuclear and nanotechnology, and to improve their integrated information and communication technology infrastructure.
Other resolutions call for a plan of action to reform science educational institutions to promote innovation and research, and to create better networks for scientists, research institutions and technoparks. Pan-OIC technology trade fairs are proposed as a way to improve links between technology, research and industry.
The participation of women in science should also be encouraged through a specific collaborative programme with dedicated resources, the conference recommends.
Hanan Malkawi, director of the UNESCO Chair for Desert Studies and Desertification Control at Yarmouk University in Jordan, told SciDev.Net that, "Since women constitute on average half of the population in any society, then if active [female] scientists and businesswomen in the Islamic world were really supported and empowered and involved, this would lead to an increase in gross domestic product through their input in scientific and technological innovations."
A separate resolution calls for greater interaction between the Muslim media and scientific community to capitalise fully on the role of media in communicating information between policymakers and scientists, as well as raising awareness of science and technology in the general public.
Anwar Nasim, a science adviser to the OIC Standing Committee on Scientific and Technological Cooperation (COMSTECH) says it is important to focus on how to implement the resolutions, to achieve their desired goals.
Nasim expressed scepticism, pointing out that previous resolutions had still not been fully implemented (see Islamic countries dragging their feet on science plan).
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Overview of the R &D of the
By Abdul Waheed KandhroOverview of the R &D of the Ministry of Science and Technology Govt of Paistan>
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The Planning & Development Wing of the Ministry coordinates and processes the developmental schemes of the Ministry and its organizations through DDWP, CDWP and ECNEC besides preparing the Annual Development Plan and Five Year Development Plan of the Ministry. It also lines up foreign aid for development-projects through Economic Affairs Division, and is entrusted with the evaluation and monitoring of development-projects financed by the Ministry of Science & Technology. The Wing is headed by the Director General (P&D), who is assisted by Director (P&D), DEA (P&D), Director (AT) and Deputy Director (P&D) in formulating, processing and implementing development-projects. Monitoring and evaluation of the project is carried out by DG (Monitoring) and DSA (Monitoring), while administrative and financial support is provided by DS (Projects) and AO (Trg).
Objectives and Functions
To appraise, process, monitor, evaluate and oversee implementation of the development- projects related to S&T sector, i.e. Energy, Health, Electronics, Biotechnology, Pharmaceuticals, Textiles, Nano-Science, Minerals/ Materials, Engineering, etc, of the Ministry of Science & Technology and its constituent organizations.
To monitor and evaluate development-schemes after approval and during various project phases.
To guide various S&T organizations/agencies for the preparation of projects and schemes on the PC-I/ PC-II format for the respective sector.
To develop database/ data-bank regarding processing of projects, execution, financial releases, regular periodic assessments on progress of the projects and follow-up required actions pertaining to continuation, change of scope or the adjustment of project provisions or resources, etc.
Development Activities
Major aim of 2004-05 development-programs has been to consolidate priority-areas, depending upon their socio-economic impact. These include: Human-Resource Development; Transfer of Technology from R&D Institution and Universities to Industry; Food & Agriculture; Analytical Centers for Industrial Analysis; Industrialization; Health; Electronics; Ocean Resources; New Materials; Biotechnology; Textile and Pharmaceuticals. In acknowledgement of the potential contribution of S&T to higher economic growth, a sizeable amount of Rs. 1705.901 million was allocated to M/o S&T in PSDP 2004-05 for its 109 ongoing projects (Annexure-IV), out of which only 85% i.e. Rs. 1455.572 million was utilized, and the low utilization was due to the reasons beyond control. For example Continental Shelf Extension project had to be revised as the financial bid for survey was 60% higher than the PC-1 allocations based on earlier expression of interest. In case of Establishment of Precision Mechanical & Instrument Technology Centre-Lahore , non-finalization of Chinese Loan delayed the project upto 2005-06.
During the year under review, 22 projects with a total cost of Rs. 680 million were completed with various social and economic benefits, like employment-generation, new sources of renewable energy and increased interaction of research organizations with industry/business houses (Annexure-V). In Cholistan, Mitigation of Drought Disaster in Cholistan , million gallons of water has been made available with saving of Rs. 6.0 billion year in the form of livestock production due to assured availability of water in the desert, besides limiting human migration. Some remote coastal villages were electrified with wind energy whereas potential for 1,100-44,000 MW was estimated in Ghero, Sindh.
With a view to encourage public-private partnership in the field of collaborative research, the Federal Government launched the Science & Technology for Economic Development (STED) programme. Under this design, private researchers, willing and able to undertake some innovative initiative, are provided interest-free loan facility upto 80% of the proposed project cost, not exceeding Rs.35.0 million (excluding the cost of land), in each case; the loan is repayable within 5 years of successful completion of the project. Under this program following 4 projects were approved by the DDWP at a total cost of Rs. 130 million approximately to encourage public/private sector collaborative research.
i. Commercial production of seasonal & off-Season organic vegetables, quality cut-flowers/ foliage & their hybrid seed.
ii.Development of Monoclonal Antibody Unit for Mass-Production of Immunodiagnostic Materials.
iii.Tissue-Culture & Gene-Transformation in Rice (Oryza Sativa L.)
.iv.Upgradation of COMSATS Internet Services.
MoST programmes during this year were aimed towards development of Science & Technology through scientific research having direct bearing on the socio-economic needs of the country; strengthening research capabilities of R&D organization and strengthening the role of Scientific institutions in the country. Technical and skilled manpower is an essential component of industry and leverage for poverty alleviation. Ministry s program of teachers and researchers overseas scholarship scheme and other various academic programs implemented by its organizations in the fields of industrial electronics/ engineering, precision mechanics and instrumentation, dyes and moulds, CAD/CAM technology etc. have been contributing in the development of human manpower.
Programmes for export enhancement, import substitution, clean & safe drinking water provision, WTO requirements, intellectual property right, ISO certifications etc. have also been initiated. Thus MoST programmes are in line with the government policies and aimed at attainment of the prioritized goals set by the Government.
In the P&D Wing a database has been developed containing information on processing of projects, their execution, financial releases, regular periodic assessments on progress of the projects and follow-up required actions pertaining to continuation, change of scope or adjustment of project provisions or resources etc.
Monitoring of Development Projects
Monitoring and Evaluation of total 22 PSDP projects (Annexure-VI) was carried out by the Monitoring & Evaluation Cell during 2004-2005. The overall progress/ assessment regarding monitored projects is satisfactory in general.
The system of internal monitoring and audit within executing agencies has also been initiated to overcome all retardants affecting progress and implementation of development project. This is in line with the endeavor of MoST for effective and efficient utilization of development funds.