ISTIC-LAMAP One Day Event- "Embracing the Future: Improving Quality of Science Instruction in Schools" (5 April 2016), UNESCO HQ, Paris, France and 9th Meeting of ISTIC Governing Board (6 April 2016), Paris

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ISTIC One-Day Event on "Embracing the Future: Improving Quality of Science Instruction in Schools" was held at UNESCO Head Quarters in Paris, France on 5 April 2016. The Forum was organized in collaboration with La main a la pat (LAMAP) and the purpose was to highlight he strengths and importance of Inquiry Based Science Education (IBSE) and its implementation at UNESCO level for a wider global audience. The forum was opened by H.E Ms. Irina Bokova, the Director General of UNESCO and Hon. Dato’ Seri Mahdzir Khalid, Minister of Education Malaysia accompanied by the Secretary General of Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation (MoSTI) of Malaysia. Dato’ Dr. (Ir.) Lee Yee Cheong Chairman of ISTIC Governing Board welcomed the audience. Welcome remarks were also made by Prof. Daniel Rouan President of LAMAP Foundation and Dato’ Sri Dr. Noorul Ainur Mohd. Nur, Secretary General of MoSTI, Malaysia.

H.E Irina Bokova in her opening address thanked Govt. of Malaysia for their continuous support in promoting science education. She congratulated ISTIC for leading such an exemplary work to advance Science, Technology and Innovation and promote South-South Cooperation always with a special focus on empowering women. She said that the world today needs more science, better science, more inclusive science. She also said that science, technology and innovation is vital to eradicate poverty, protect human rights, empower women and for the sustainability of the planet; and this must start on the benches of schools.

The Malaysian Minister of Education H.E. Mr. Khalid thanked the DG UNESCO for gracing the occasion and highlighted the efforts of Malaysian government for promotion of education and science, not only in Malaysia but also in neighbouring countries. For South-South cooperation, he said they continue to support and patronise ISTIC.

Earlier, Chairman ISTIC Governing Board, Dato Lee Cheong in his address welcomed all the participants. He said that ISTIC is dedicated to InquiryBased Science Education (IBSE). ISTIC has been very fortunate to have a long standing partner in La main a la pate (LAMAP). Through inquiry and experimentation, the truth is discovered. In our current world of turmoil, very much brought about by the clash of civilizations, it is critical that we nurture our young to be rational and discerning human beings. IAP and IAP SEP Global Council have been very concerned about the rising challenge of terrorism led by the religious extremists. We believe the solution lies in the interfaith or cross-civilization dialogue and engagement of our young. He further said that the day’s event also addresses the UN Sustainable Development Goal No 04, “Ensure inclusive and equitable quality education and promote life-long learning opportunities for all”. This forum will go beyond school education to vocational and technical education, university education and lifelong learning, he said. He welcomed French school students who have come there to give the demonstration of IBSE the LAMAP way.

After the opening session, the forum was moderated by Dato’ Sri Dr. Noorul Ainur Mohd. Nur (MoSTI). Speakers in the forum were Dato’ Dr. Samsudin Tugiman Director ISTIC, Dr. David Jasmin Director LAMAP, H.E Suoad Abdelrazig Mohamed Saeed Federal Minister of Education Sudan, Dr. Nadia Alhasani Dean of Student life the, Petroleum Institute Abu Dhabi, Ms. Yuri Belfali Head of Division of Early Childhood and Schools Directorate for Education and skills, OECD and representative of UNESCO Education Sector responsible for Science Education. ECOSF being a partner of LAMAP and ISTIC and President ECOSF Prof. Manzoor Hussain Soomro being member of ISTIC Governing Board, participated in the forum as a panellist.

Dr. Jasmin in his LAMAP presentation recognised and acknowledged the eminence & contributions of global leaders in the field of IBSE, which include Dato Lee Cheong and Dr. Manzoor Soomro as shown in the picture.

The 9th ISTIC Governing Board Meeting was held on 6 April 2016 at the UNESCO Head Quarters in Paris. Prof. Dr. Manzoor Hussain Soomro, President of ECO Science Foundation as member of ISTIC GB participated in the meeting and contributed in decision making.

The ISTIC GB meeting was chaired by its Chairman Academician Dato (Ir.) Lee Yee Cheong and attended by the members from all continents.