The meeting will also discuss ways to generate $650 million for effective implementation of the 2016-25 plan aimed at making OIC member states capable of manufacturing and launching space satellites to introducing science and technology as subjects in primary education. The official said that an estimated $650 million of external funding was required for successful implementation of the plan, and the meeting would discuss how to generate the amount. The plan was already approved as the STI Agenda 2026 at the first OIC summit on Science and Technology held in Astana, Kazakhstan in September 2017. Most OIC member states are running out of usable land and water, which is further exacerbated by climate change and its impact on food security. It includes several exchange programmes for science students and professionals, and scholarships will be awarded in this regard.

Source: The Express Tribune December 09, 2017 05:15 UTC