The
Commission on Science and Technology for Sustainable Development in the South
(COMSATS), is an international and intergovernmental organization, with the aim
to promote South-South cooperation in the field of Science and Technology which
are the most relevant to socio-economic raise of the developing nations and to
sensitize the governments vis-a-vis significance of Science and Technology and
its utilization in the national and regional development.
2.
In harmony with this vision and with the support of various state heads from
developing countries, the COMSATS was established in 1994. At the Foundation
meeting 36 representatives from various developing countries and international
organizations participated. Most were at the level of Heads of State and Heads
of Government. The invitation was extended by the then Prime Minister of
Pakistan. Through an international agreement it was established as an international/
intergovernmental organization whose Secretariat is permanently located in
Islamabad. The President of Ghana, H.E Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, is the
incumbent chairman of the Commission. Ministry of Science and Technology of
Pakistan is the national focal point of COMSATS
3.
The Government of Pakistan after signing the international agreement, under
section 3 of the United Nations (Privileges and Immunities) Act No. XX of 1948
issued Ministry of Foreign Affairs' notification No. IEE (1)- 12/4/95 dated November
28 1995. These inter alia provide:
(i)
Whereas Pakistan has signed the International Agreement to Establish the
Commission on Science and Technology for Sustainable Development in the South
(COMSATS) on 5th October, 1994 at Islamabad.
(ii)
Government of Pakistan to host the Secretariat of COMSATS and approval of the
Network of International Science and Technology, Centre of Excellence, dated
23rd July, 1995.
(iii)
It was also agreed that the Government of Pakistan would provide host
facilities including annual grant to meet its operational expenses.
4.
Since its inception in 1994, it may be noted that the activities of the
Organization have increased manifold in encompassing meaningful interventions
and initiatives in diverse disciplines involving scientific research and development.
In the last several years there has been a paradigm evolution in the character
of the Organization aligned with inevitable nexus between sustainable development
and science and technology. These shifts are reflected in the development
policies, scientific and knowledge based strategies and economic planning in
the overall context of the South and triangular cooperation. Today COMSATS has
widened its international cooperation with multiple international organizations
with similar agenda and it is recognized as an Organization with substantial
outreach. It is a matter of immense satisfaction that COMSATS has been able to
accomplish significant achievements in the field of science and technology.
On occassion of completing 25 Years of the Commission on Science and Technology for Sustainable Development in the South (COMSATS), a Commemorative Postage Stamp of Rs.20/- denomination is being issued by Pakistan Post on October 4, 2019.
No comments:
Post a Comment