The Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO), in partnership with the International University of Rabat (UIR) and the Federation of the Universities of the Islamic World (FUIW), held the first International Forum on capacity-building in the field of science and technology to enhance science diplomacy, with the participation of several officials, international experts, university presidents, academics and researchers from the Islamic world.

The Forum, which was held on Tuesday, July 19, 2022, at UIR headquarters, aims to introduce the concept of science diplomacy, which is considered a tool of modern soft power, and its role in building international cooperation to address global challenges and to promote coexistence between different peoples and cultures, through joint implementation of scientific strategies that contribute to achieving sustainable development goals.

In his speech during the Forum, Dr. Raheel Qamar, Head of ICESCO’s Science and Technology Sector, noted the importance of the role that science diplomacy can play in strengthening the values of peace and human coexistence, supporting mutual respect and tolerance among peoples and building effective international partnerships to enhance the ability to face common challenges.

For his part, Dr. Adel Smeda, Expert in ICESCO’s Science and Technology Sector, explained the importance of science diplomacy in supporting scientific cooperation between university institutions and scientific research centers in different countries and facilitating the exchange of experiences and information to achieve scientific development and make use of it in service to mankind.