ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s President, Dr. Arif Alvi, highlighting the importance of technological advancements and innovations, urged the global sharing of scientific breakthroughs and knowledge for the collective benefit of humanity.
Speaking as the chief guest at the 29th-anniversary celebration of the Commission on Science and Technology for Sustainable Development in the South (COMSATS), President Alvi said that knowledge accessibility should transcend mere copyright constraints to address current economic, social, and global challenges.
The ceremony at Aiwan-e-Sadr was attended by diplomats, former diplomats, academia members, and media representatives. President Alvi advocated for the unrestricted sharing of scientific knowledge among nations, emphasizing the need to reset priorities and utilize open knowledge resources.
He stressed the importance of addressing injustices and promoting a just and equitable distribution of wealth globally to alleviate human suffering.
While acknowledging the exponential pace of scientific developments, President Alvi highlighted the transformative potential of an ethics and humanity-based order. He expressed concern about the widening wealth gap, citing a recent OXFAM report that indicated a doubling of billionaires’ income while billions of people faced reduced earnings.
Pakistan President Lauds Scientific Advancements
President Alvi commended the significant breakthrough of genome sequencing, noting its increased accessibility due to rapid scientific advancements. He envisioned a future with quantum computing capabilities addressing health data for billions and unlocking tremendous possibilities in agriculture. Drawing inspiration from the Netherlands, he suggested Pakistan could become a leading nutrition supplier by leveraging modern scientific approaches.
Addressing climate change, the President praised global efforts, including Pakistan’s awareness about carbon emissions, but stressed the need for wider international cooperation. He commended COMSATS for its contributions to science and technology and, along with envoys, celebrated the organization’s milestone.
COMSATS Executive Director Dr. Nafees Zakaria highlighted the organization’s initiatives in information technology, artificial intelligence, genomic sequencing, renewable energy, electric vehicles, precision agriculture, industrial biotechnology, and climate change. Prof. Dr. Lin Zhaohui from China applauded COMSATS for its commitment to South-South and triangular cooperation in science, technology, and innovation. COMSATS, an intergovernmental organization with 27 member states, was founded with the vision of Nobel Laureate Prof. Abdus Salam.
