In a world polarized on the basis of economic development and quality of life, the South connotes deprivation and underdevelopment. Unfortunately, a large part of the globe continues to be categorized as such. Reformers and scientists like Prof. Abdus Salam have long stressed that the remedy lies in the use of modern science and technology. This requires systematic evaluation of the problems, identification of practical solutions and capacity building for the execution of necessary actions. A broad range of old and new players have been actively pursuing these tasks in accordance with their vision and resources.
COMSATS is one such organization that has an ambitious plan of changing societies by placing science and technology at the centre of development agenda. Whereas, the centre-piece of this effort is based on the concept of South-South cooperation, the support of the North is inevitable for achieving necessary results. After all, the North owes its progress to advances in science and technology. As practitioner and beneficiary of these advances, the North is well-placed to extend a helping hand to the South. It is in the self-interest of all concerned to help create a more egalitarian world for maintaining peace and stability and preservation of environment. The sustainability of development efforts is an absolute pre-requisite. The parameters that define the mission of COMSATS are:
- advocacy of national policies that recognize the centrality of science and technology;
- promotion of South-South cooperation to break the vicious cycle of underdevelopment;
- seeking North-South cooperation to build scientific and technological capacities necessary for modern societies;
- keeping the sustainability of the development by due consideration of environmental preservation and judicious use of natural resource.
COMSATS beckons all who wish to create an equitable and peaceful world and opens its arms to all who are working on different platforms to achieve the same vision. We call for synergy, coordination and complementarity among those who share our objectives. You will find in COMSATS a willing and capable partner.
(Dr. I.E. Qureshi) |
