President ECO Science Foundation joined the Gender Summit 6- Asia Pacific 2015, August 27-28, 2015 at Seoul- Korea

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President ECOSF Prof. Manzoor Soomro during the 1st Asian Innovation Forum in Seoul also attended the Gender Summit 6- Asia Pacific 2015 on 27-28 August 2015 held at Seoul, Republic of Korea. The Gender Summit 6 was organized by National Research Foundation of Korea (NRF), Korea Institute of Science and Technology Evaluation and Planning (KISTEP), Centre for Women in Science, Engineering and Technology (WISET) and other partners. Participation of Professor Soomro was facilitated Dr. Youngah Park, the President of KISTEP and one of the main organizers. The Summit was opened by the welcoming remarks of Minister of Science, ICT and Future Planning, Korea Mr. Yanghee Choi. From Pakistan, the General Secretary of Pakistan Academy of Sciences Prof. Zabta Khan Shinwari and and Fellow of the Academy Prof. Azra Khanum attended the meeting, both were speakers in the Summit and Professor Shinwari chaired a session as well.

The aim of the Gender Summit 6 Asia-Pacific 2015 was to introduce compelling research evidence on benefits of addressing gender issues in science and technology to improve quality of research and innovation. The Summit connected relevant stakeholders to develop strategies on how discussions and technological collaborations on gender diversity can open up opportunities to create new markets for scientific research and innovations.

The objectives of the Gender Summit 6 Asia-Pacific 2015 were to promote evidence-based, concerted and integrated actions by all participating stakeholders in STEM. More specifically this effort helped in understanding of how to incorporate academic considerations without gender discrimination with research and innovation; developed regional and national communities of experts across the government, industry, academic fields, and public citizenry to address scientific and social challenges through gendered innovations in research and development; promoted a more creative research and innovation ecosystem through the inclusion of gender dimension in research methods, funding policy, review process and institutional structures; maximized opportunities for regional networking in research and human capital development through greater gender diversity; contributed to enhancing quality of life by connecting gender issues and the best available technology based on distinct characteristics of Asia Pacific.

The overall theme of the event was "Quality Research and Innovation through Equality". Removing gender bias from science knowledge making; advancing gender equality in science structures and practices; and applying understanding of gender issues to advance more sustainable and effective research and innovation.