ABU DHABI, 14th January, 2026 (WAM) -- Sheikh Nahyan bin Mubarak Al Nahyan, Minister of Tolerance and Coexistence, received this morning members of COMSTECH, the Scientific and Technological Cooperation Committee of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), headed by Seema A. Khan, at his Majlis in Abu Dhabi, as the committee members are participating in the activities of Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week.
During the meeting, prospects for international cooperation in the fields of education, research and development, innovation, and entrepreneurship were reviewed within a comprehensive discussion that placed particular emphasis on climate- and environment-related issues, as well as the importance of adopting people-centric sustainable development models that respond to evolving societal priorities and needs.
The discussions also addressed ways to unify efforts among international and regional institutions and to enhance the exchange of expertise and knowledge, contributing to the establishment of effective partnerships capable of developing practical and innovative solutions to shared challenges.
The meeting reflects a broader approach based on openness and constructive dialogue, strengthening multilateral cooperation, and supporting initiatives that balance economic development requirements with environmental protection, while reinforcing the values of tolerance, coexistence, and peace. It also underscores the importance of providing inclusive platforms for the exchange of ideas and perspectives, and fostering an enabling environment for international partnerships that contribute to innovative solutions to global challenges, particularly in the areas of sustainability, the green economy, and the empowerment of innovation and entrepreneurship as key drivers for shaping the future.
COMSTECH is one of the specialised bodies of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation, dedicated to promoting cooperation among member states in the fields of science, technology, and innovation.
The committee supports scientific research and capacity building, and encourages partnerships among academic institutions, research centers, and the public and private sectors, contributing to sustainable development, addressing common challenges, and advancing scientific and technological solutions that serve communities at both regional and international levels.
The committee members included Eduardo Pedrosa, Executive Director of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC); Romina Khurshid Alam, Coordinator to the Prime Minister of Pakistan on Climate Change; Antonio Basilio, Director of the APEC Business Advisory Council; Sergey Kanavskiy, Executive Secretary of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation Business Council; Zhou Yiping, Founding Director of the United Nations Office for South-South Cooperation; Erik Solheim, Former Under-Secretary-General of the United Nations; William Wang, Chief Representative of the Sino-International Entrepreneurs Federation for the Middle East and Africa; Dr. Mohamed Bashir Kharrubi, Senior Advisor for the Middle East and Africa at the same federation; Kristian Flyvholm, Chairman of the Institute of Sovereign Investors; Amber Sun, Business Manager at the Sino-International Entrepreneurs Federation; and Tehreem Kanwal, Second Secretary at the Embassy of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan.
The committee members expressed their appreciation for the warm reception, emphasising the importance of continuing such meetings, which contribute to strengthening international dialogue, expanding areas of joint cooperation, and building effective partnerships that support global efforts to achieve sustainable development and address environmental and economic challenges with a shared sense of responsibility.