Islamabad, Pakistan – President of the Economic Cooperation Organization Science Foundation (ECOSF), Prof. Seyed Komail Tayebi, met with Chairman of the Higher Education Commission (HEC) of Pakistan, Prof. Dr. Mukhtar Ahmed, at the HEC headquarters on January 30, 2025. The meeting focused on enhancing collaboration between HEC and ECO member countries in the fields of human capital development and higher education.

The discussions underscored the importance of strengthening partnerships to advance Science, Technology, and Innovation (STI) across the ECO region. Prof. Tayebi extended an invitation to Prof. Ahmed to join as a key partner in ECOSF’s upcoming International Conference on Science, Technology, and Innovation: Catalysts for Regional Connectivity and Sustainable Development in the ECO Region (ECONEX), scheduled to take place on April 15–16, 2025, in Islamabad, Pakistan.

ECONEX aims to bring together policymakers, industry leaders, scholars, and researchers to engage in meaningful dialogue and develop actionable policy recommendations. The event will focus on bolstering the STI ecosystem in the Global South, with an emphasis on fostering regional connectivity and sustainable development.

Prof. Mukhtar Ahmed emphasized the critical role of collaboration in these areas for the economic and regional development of Pakistan and the broader ECO region. He assured HEC’s full support as a key partner and offered to host the ECONEX at the HEC headquarters.

Prof. Tayebi expressed his gratitude for HEC’s continued support and cooperation, highlighting the importance of this partnership in achieving ECOSF’s mission of promoting science and technology for sustainable development.