STI is the key for sustainable development of ECO region, said the Minister for Science and Technology of Pakistan during a meeting with President ECOSF

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New Minister for Science and Technology of Pakistan H.E. Mr. Chaudhry Fawad Hussain was called upon by the President ECO Science Foundation (ECOSF) Prof. Manzoor H. Soomro on May 9, 2019 at his office. President ECOSF briefed the Minister about the establishment of the Foundation and its aims and objectives. Prof. Soomro apprised that Minister about ongoing activities and initiatives of the Foundation. He also shared with the Minister that the Foundation has developed working relations/collaborations with international organizations such as; UNESCO, International Science, Technology and Innovation Centre for South-South Cooperation under the auspices of UNESCO (ISTIC), Kuala Lumpur, La main a la pate Foundation of France (LAMAP), Children and Youth Science Centre of China Association of Science and Technology (CYSCC), Islamic Development Bank (IsDB) and other renowned organizations.

President ECOSF further shared with the Minister that the Foundation is implementing Inquiry Based Science Education (IBSE) programme in ECO region since 2015. Through this programme, the participants especially science teachers are trained on IBSE methodology for teaching STEM subjects in their respective countries. The programme is successfully being implemented in Pakistan and Iran and discussions are undergoing with Tajikistan and Azerbaijan to launch the IBSE programme in the countries.

President ECOSF also presented a Five Year Report of the Foundation to the Honourable Minister.

H.E. Mr. Chaudhry Fawad Hussain thanked the President ECOSF for introduction of the Foundation and appreciated the role of the Foundation for bringing the scientific community of ECO region for developing collaboration.

He said that Science, Technology and Innovation (STI) are a key for sustainable development in the region. The region has great potential and rich in resources, just needs the efforts to tape them for developing the sustainable societies.

He emphasized on more activities with reference to science literacy and communication especially with the younger generation and spoke of organizing a National Science Fair in Islamabad later during the year. He confirmed to participate in the next meeting of the Board of Trustees of ECOSF to be held in Iran, and assured of maximum possible support from his Ministry.