Islamabad, 6 January 2025 — The ECO Science Foundation (ECOSF) hosted Mr. Mahdi Amini, Director of the International Cooperation Department of the Mustafa (pbuh) Science and Technology Foundation (MSTF), Iran, for a consultative meeting with ECOSF leadership, including Prof. Seyed Komail Tayebi – President, ECOSF and Dr. Ghulam Muhammad Memon – Executive Director, ECOSF along with other ECOSF colleagues. The visit served as an introductory engagement to better understand each organization’s mandate and to explore possible avenues of cooperation in areas of mutual interest.

Mr. Amini presented an overview of MSTF’s mission, flagship programmes, and regional and international outreach, followed by a discussion on areas where ECOSF and MSTF could potentially align. In his remarks, President Prof. Tayebi welcomed Mr. Amini and noted that ECOSF highly values partnerships with MSTF. There is significant potential for collaboration in the areas of ECO-region youth, strengthen scientific capacity, and promote science diplomacy through practical platforms such as camps, competitions, and regional exchanges.

Among the ideas discussed was the possibility of linking a future ECOSF Science Camp with the Paradis Science Festival, enabling ECO-region participants to benefit from a wider scientific and cultural ecosystem. The meeting also explored encouraging greater participation of ECO-member students in MSTF’s Noor School Student Competition. Additionally, both sides also considered allocating ECOSF a dedicated space at the Paradis Science Festival—and potentially country-specific booths for ECO member states—to support science diplomacy by showcasing both scientific capabilities and national identities. The discussion concluded with shared interest in further exploring collaboration through joint webinars and training workshops, with both sides agreeing to review practical next steps in due course.