Organisation of Islamic Co-operation approves Abu Dhabi Declaration to market science

Member states of the Organisation of Islamic Co-operation (OIC) approved the Abu Dhabi Declaration - a mission statement affirming their commitment to adopt all necessary measures to create an environment conducive to obtaining progress in science, technology and innovation.

Leaders of the OIC committed to "enhance and develop science and technology, revive the leading role of Islam globally, and ensure sustainable development, progress and prosperity across the member states", the entity said in a statement, during the Second Organisation of Islamic Co-operation Summit on Science and Technology on Wednesday.

OIC members also agreed that obtaining progress in science and technology may help overcome challenges such as for example poverty and climate change, while fostering growth in under-developed economies.

"We anticipate building on the achievements of the first summit and proceed together in creating a road map for the main initiatives and future projects to attain the goals of the 10-year plan. It isn't enough to define goals and develop action plans, but we have to motivate our peoples to lead the innovation process," Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed, Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Co-operation, said.

The UAE, which takes over the presidency of the summit from Kazakhstan, is a frontrunner in reaching scientific milestones. The Emirates became the first Arab country to send a spacecraft in to the orbit of Mars, earlier this year. It also became the first country in your community to use nuclear energy to generate 25 per cent of its power needs, through its Barakah plant.

Within the Abu Dhabi Declaration, the leaders pledged to inspire innovation, develop local industries in pharmaceuticals and vaccines and adopt preventive measures and treatments for infectious and non-infectious diseases, consistent with international laws and standards.

The document also touched on the value of science and technology to start more opportunities for younger generation. It discussed the value of increasing science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) education at primary, secondary and university levels, and how such a move could help advance science in these countries.

Members committed to support agriculture, rural development and food security among OIC member states, in order to increase solidarity among the states and remove poverty.

The Abu Dhabi Declaration also urged members to switch knowledge, expertise and technology in energy, while bolstering local support for research and development activities in power technologies to boost access to energy.

In addition, the summit urged members to strengthen infrastructure and expertise in the fields of biotechnology and nanotechnology, which can offer solutions in medicine, pharmacy, agriculture and other fields.

The declaration highlighted the value of digital policies. It urged countries to support the Fourth Industrial Revolution and emphasised the value of digital transformation.

"In the past 2 yrs, during the pandemic and what it has caused, the world has witnessed an unprecedented transformation," said Sarah Al Amiri, Minister of State for Advanced Technology.

"Without technology, we'd not have had the opportunity to keep our lives normally. Most of us hope that we will dsicover better co-operation and integration in scientific and technological fields among the organisation’s 57 members, and that the Muslim world can be more developed and sustainable,” she said.