International Conference on Science, Technology &

Innovation (STI): Catalysts for Regional Connectivity and

Sustainable Development in the ECO Region
(ECONEX) 2025

April 17-18, 2025 | Higher Education Commission – H-9 Islamabad, Pakistan

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Acknowledgments
The International Conference on Science, Technology, and Innovation (STI): Catalysts for Regional
Connectivity and Sustainable Development in the ECO Region (ECONEX 2025) is organized by the ECO
Science Foundation (ECOSF), Pakistan, in partnership with the Higher Education Commission of Pakistan
and the ECO Secretariat, Tehran, Iran. We extend our heartfelt gratitude to our thematic session
partners: the CAREC Institute, ECO Educational Institute (Türkiye), National Energy Efficiency and
Conservation Authority (NEECA, Pakistan), International Water Management Institute (IWMI, Pakistan),
Islamic Relief Pakistan, Health Services Academy (Pakistan), COMSTECH, Islamic Relief Pakistan and
Pakistan Science Foundation (PSF, Pakistan) for their invaluable contributions in shaping impactful
discussions on regional connectivity, sustainability, and innovation. Their expertise and commitment
would be instrumental in advancing the goals of ECONEX 2025.

Organized by:
• Economic Cooperation Organization Science Foundation (ECOSF), Pakistan

In Collaboration with Co-Organizers:

• Higher Education Commission of Pakistan
• Economic Cooperation Organization (ECO) Tehran, Iran

Thematic Session Partners:

• CAREC Institute, China
Enhancing Regional Trade and Connectivity in the ECO Region
• ECO Educational Institute, Türkiye & Organization for Development of International
Science and Technology Collaboration (ODISTC), Iran
Human Capital Development in the ECO Region
• National Energy Efficiency & Conservation Authority (NEECA), Pakistan
Building a Sustainable and Resilient Energy Future for ECO Member Countries
• International Water Management Institute (IWMI) & Islamic Relief Pakistan
Agriculture, Water, and Food Security in the ECO region
• Health Services Academy, Pakistan
Fostering Regional Collaboration on Healthcare Innovation and Biotech in the ECO
Region
• Pakistan Science Foundation (PSF), Pakistan & COMSTECH, Pakistan
Regional Collaboration on Science, Technology, and Innovation (STI) Ecosystem

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Background
Science, Technology, and Innovation (STI) are critical enablers of economic progress and regional
integration. Despite shared cultural and historical ties, ECO Member Countries face varying levels of
technological development and innovation capacity challenges. The ECO Science Foundation (ECOSF), a
specialized agency of the Economic Cooperation Organization (ECO) is hosting an International
Conference on Leveraging Science, Technology, and Innovation (STI) for Regional Connectivity and
Sustainable Development in the ECO Region (ECONEX) on April 17-18, 2025 at the Higher Education
Commission (HEC) H-9, Islamabad. This conference provides a platform for bridging the knowledge gaps
in various economic sectors by fostering STI collaboration among ECO Member States. Shared
knowledge, resources, and expertise in STI can reduce development disparities, enhance
competitiveness, and address regional challenges like, water scarcity, climate change, economic
relations, capacity building of human resources, energy security and climate change.

The ECO Member Countries—Afghanistan, Azerbaijan, Iran, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Pakistan, Tajikistan,
Türkiye, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan—share deep scientific, cultural and economic ties. Despite these
commonalities, the region faces significant challenges in fostering economic integration, regional trade,
and technology transfer.

The ECONEX 2025 aligns with ECOSF’s mission to utilize STI as a catalyst for economic development and
regional cooperation. This initiative also reflects ECOSF's commitment to addressing the critical barriers
to regional cooperation in STI, investment and trade promotion by providing an inclusive platform for
stakeholders to collaborate and find actionable solutions.

About ECOSF
ECO Science Foundation is the specialized agency of the Economic Cooperation Organization (ECO) and
an intergovernmental organization for scientific and technological cooperation, with its 10-member
states (Afghanistan, Azerbaijan, Iran, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Pakistan, Tajikistan, Türkiye, Turkmenistan,
Uzbekistan). ECOSF has an extensive exchange and cooperation among the ECO member states as well
as with international scientific and technological organizations in Africa, Asia, Europe and other regions.

ECOSF serves as the strategic platform for sustainable economic and social development of ECO Member
Countries utilizing the means of Science, Technology and Innovation (STI) and industrial cooperation.

ECONEX: Bridging Borders. Building the Future

ECONEX symbolizes a nexus for the ECO Member Countries, represents the conference’s role as a pivotal platform
for fostering regional connectivity, collaboration, and innovation.

Bridging Borders emphasizes breaking barriers and strengthening partnerships across the region. The conference
will serve as a forum to facilitate the exchange of ideas, promote cooperation, and drive economic growth through
cross-border collaboration.

Building the Future underscores the focus on innovation, sustainability, and progress. By addressing shared
challenges and exploring opportunities, the conference will inspire actionable strategies to shape a prosperous
and sustainable future for the ECO region.

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ECONEX encapsulates the essence of this event, uniting diverse nations to achieve shared goals of connectivity
and development.

The ECONEX Conference is vital for the region as it serves as a strategic platform to address shared
challenges and unlock opportunities for sustainable growth and regional integration. By bringing
together policymakers, industry leaders, scholars, and researchers from ECO Member Countries, the
conference fosters collaboration in Science, Technology, and Innovation, which are essential for
overcoming regional challenges. It provides actionable pathways for leveraging STI to enhance
connectivity, boost economic productivity, and promote sustainable development, ensuring a
prosperous and resilient future for the ECO region.

ECONEX Goals and Objectives

ECO Member Countries face common challenges such as limited innovation, industrial productivity, gaps
in trade policies, and barriers to technology transfer and commercialization. Thus, engaging government
officials, industry leaders, and scholars from academia and research in policy dialogues and knowledge-
sharing sessions can enable identification of these barriers and the development of actionable solutions.
Policy frameworks crafted during the conference will help shape future STI strategies tailored to the
region’s unique needs. Below are some of the concrete goals and objectives of this confrence:

1. Strengthen STI Cooperation: Facilitate regional collaboration in science, technology, and

innovation to address shared challenges.
2. Promote Policy Dialogues: Engage policymakers, industry leaders, and experts in discussions on
sustainable economic growth and integration.
3. Address Barriers: Identify gaps in regional trade and propose actionable solutions for enhancing
technology transfer and commercialization.
4. Expand Partnerships: Create opportunities for ECO Member Countries to explore new areas of
cooperation and strengthen institutional and industrial ties.

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 Conference Program
Day 1: Thursday April 17, 2025

Inaugural Session
9:30 AM Registration and Networking
10:00 AM National Anthem and Recitation
10:05 AM Dr. Ghulam Muhammad Memon, Executive Director, ECO Science Foundation
10:10 AM Prof. Seyed Komail Tayebi, President ECO Science Foundation
10:20 AM Prof. Mukhtar Ahmad, Chairman Higher Education Commission, Pakistan
10:30 AM H.E. Dr. Asad Majeed Khan, Secretary General, Economic Cooperation Organization (ECO)
10:40 AM H.E. Mehmet Fatih Kacır, Minister for Industry and Technology, Türkiye, delivered by Mr.
Ahmet Halit HATİP, General Director of European Union and Foreign Affairs, MoIT, Türkiye.
10:50 AM H.E. Mr. Khalid Hussain Magsi, Federal Minister for Science and Technology, Pakisan
11:00 AM Chief Guest – Minister for Planning, Development & Special Initiatives or Minister for Education
and Professional Training (TBC)
Group Photo
11:15 AM - 11:30 AM Coffee Break
Plenary Session – I: Regional Collaboration on Science, Technology, and Innovation (STI)
Ecosystem
Partners: Pakistan Science Foundation (PSF)
Science, Technology, and Innovation (STI) are key drivers of economic growth, industrial development, and
global competitiveness. In the ECO region, while several countries have made significant strides in STI, regional
cooperation remains fragmented, limiting the potential for knowledge sharing, technology transfer, and joint
research initiatives. The discussions will focus on best practices in STI governance, collaboration in technology
parks, investment in R&D, and developing an enabling environment for innovation-led growth in the ECO
region.
11:30 AM Dr. Ganigar Chen, Vice President, National Science Museum (NSM) of Thailand, Bangkok,
Thailand
Expanding Science Museums and Public Engagement in STI Development
11:45 AM Ambassador Dr. Mohammad Nafees Zakaria, Executive Director COMSATS
11:55 AM Dr. Syeda Tanveer Kausar Naim, Former Chairperson, Pakistan Council for Science and
Technology (PCST), Pakistan
Pakistan’s Vision for STI-Led Development and Regional Collaboration
12:10 PM Mr. Reza Aslani, Head of International Affairs - Pardis Technology Park, Tehran, Iran
12:20 PM Prof. Dr. Qi Yuansheng, Dean of the School of Printing and Packaging Engineering, Beijing
Institute of Graphics and Communication, Beijing, China.
The Pillars of Success: Decoding China’s Science, Technology, and Innovation (STI) Ecosystem

12:30 PM Prof. Dr. Akram Shaikh, Chairman, Pakistan Science Foundation (PSF), Pakistan
12:40 PM Q&A
Moderator: Khalil Raza, Programs Manager, ECO Science Foundation (ECOSF)
1:00 PM - 2:00 PM Lunch Break

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Plenary Session – II: Enhancing Regional Trade and Connectivity in the ECO Region
Partner: CAREC Institute, China
The ECO region possesses immense economic potential, with abundant resources, a strategic geographic
position, and a growing consumer base. However, intra-regional trade remains significantly below its potential,
hindered by trade barriers, inadequate infrastructure, and policy misalignment. This session will provide a high-
level platform to discuss policy frameworks, infrastructure development, and trade facilitation measures
necessary to strengthen economic ties within the region.
2:00 PM Keynote Address: H.E Senator Mushahid Hussain Syed, Chairman, Pakistan-China Institute,
Pakistan
Emerging World Order & Regional Connectivity: Pakistan’s Role & Relationships.
2:15 PM H.E. Dr. Asad Majeed Khan, Secretary General, Economic Cooperation Organization (ECO),
Tehran, Iran
2:30 PM Dr. Ghulam Samad, Chief of Research Division, CAREC Institute, Ürümqi, China
2:45 PM Dr. Abid Qayyum Suleri, Executive Director, Sustainable Development Policy Institute (SDPI),
Pakistan
3:00 PM Mr. Muhammad Jamil Ahmed, Chairman Pakistan International Freight Forwarders Association
(PIFFA), Pakistan
3:15 PM Mr. Laeeq Daraz Khan, Director, Trade Development Authority of Pakistan (TDAP) Islamabad,
Pkistan
3:30 PM Representative, Planning Commission of Pakistan (TBC)
3:45 PM Discussant - Prof. Seyed Komail Tayebi, President ECO Science Foundation
3:50 AM Q&A
Moderator: Dr. Moazzam Hashmi, Media Consultant and Adjunct Professor, Quaid-e-Azam
University and National Defense University (NDU), Islamabad
4:00 PM - 4:10 PM Coffee Break
Plenary Session – III: Human Capital Development in the ECO Region
Partner: ECO Educational Institute, Türkiye
Human capital development is the cornerstone of economic growth, innovation, and sustainable development.
In the ECO region, investing in education, skills development, and capacity-building is essential for
strengthening regional competitiveness and fostering a knowledge-based economy. This session will bring
together experts in higher education, vocational training, and technology-driven learning to explore strategies
for improving education systems, expanding digital and technical skills, and strengthening regional cooperation
in human capital development.
4:10 PM Keynote: Prof. Mehmet Akif KİREÇCİ, President, ECO Educational Institute, Ankara, Türkiye
4:25 PM Dr. Zia Ul-Qayyum, Executive Director - Higher Education Commission (HEC), Pakistan
4:40 PM Prof. Dr. Mohammad Mujahid, Rector, Pak Austria Fachhochschule Institute of Applied Sciences
& Technology (PAF-IAST), Pakistan
4:55 PM Prof. Dr. Osman Hassan, Pro-Rector (Academics), National University of Sciences and
Technology (NUST), Pakistan
5:10 PM Prof. Seyed Ali Akbar Safavi, Professor of Systems and Control Engineering and IT Expert, School
of Electrical and Computer Engineering, Shiraz University Iran
5:25 PM Ms. Gulmina Bilal Ahmad, Chairperson National Vocational and Technical Training Commission
(NAVTTC), Pakistan
5:40 PM Prof. Dr. Manzoor Hussain Soomro, Former President/Advisor ECOSF
Inquiry Based Education (IBE)
5:55 PM Q&A
Moderator: Dr. Gonca Biltekin - Education Expert, ECO Educational Institute (ECOEI), Türkiye

6:10 PM Close of the First Day of the Conference

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 Day 2: Friday, April 18, 2025

Plenary Session – IV: Fostering Regional Collaboration on Healthcare Innovation and

Biotech in the ECO Region
Partner: Health Services Academy, Pakistan (HSA)
Healthcare innovation and biotechnology are crucial for addressing public health challenges, improving
medical research, and enhancing healthcare delivery in the ECO region. This session will provide a platform
for policymakers, healthcare professionals, researchers, and industry leaders to exchange knowledge,
explore opportunities, and develop strategies to strengthen healthcare innovation and biotechnology
cooperation across the ECO region.
9:30 AM Mr. Malik Mukhtar Ahmad Bharath, Minister of State for National Health Services,
Regulation and Coordination, Government of Pakistan (TBC)
9:45 AM Prof. Dr. Shahzad Ali Khan, Vice Chancellor, Health Services Academy, Pakistan
10:00 AM Prof. Dr. Ali Akbar Moosavi-Movahedi, Biophysicist & Biophysical Chemist, Institute
of Biochemistry and Biophysics, University of Tehran, Iran
10:15 AM Dr. Tariq Mahmood Ali, Dean of Social Sciences, / Associate Professor, Health
Services Academy, Pakistan
10:30 AM Prof. Dr. Shahid Baig, Head of Life Sciences Department, Health Services Academy,
Pakistan
10:45 AM Dr. Obaidullah - Chief, Executive Officer, Drug Regulatory Authority of Pakistan
(DRAP) (TBC)
11:00 AM Dr. Maryam Tajabadi Ebrahimi, Founder & Managing Director - Takgene Zist Group,
Tehran, Iran
11:15 AM Q&A
Moderator: Dr. Ahmad Hussen Tareq, Ex. AMR Technical Officer, WHO, Addis Ababa,
Ethiopia
11:00 AM 11:15 AM Break
Plenary Session – V: Building a Sustainable and Resilient Energy Future for ECO
Member Countries
Partner: National Energy Efficiency and Conservation Authority (NEECA) Pakistan
The ECO Member Countries are undergoing a critical energy transition, driven by the need for
sustainability, energy security, and economic resilience. This session will provide a strategic platform
for policymakers, energy experts, and industry leaders to discuss pathways for accelerating the clean
energy transition, enhancing energy security, and addressing policy and infrastructure challenges in the
ECO region. The discussions will focus on regional energy collaboration, investment in renewable energy
and energy efficiency, and advancing research and innovation in sustainable energy technologies.
11:15 AM Keynote address by Minister/Minister of State for Energy, Government of Pakistan (TBC)
11:30 AM Dr. Sardar Mohazzam, Managing Director, National Energy Efficiency and Conservation
Authority (NEECA), Pakistan
11:45 AM Mr. Razi Raziuddin, Chairman/CEO Razi Energy PVT Ltd.
12:00 PM Prof. Abbas Rajabi, Head of Sharif Energy Research Institute, Sharif University, Tehran, Iran
12:15 PM Khalil Raza, Programs Manager – Energy & Climate, ECOSF
12:30 PM Q&A
Moderator: Mr. Muhammad Kamil Quddus, Energy Sector Specialist, Ministry of
Planning, Development and Special Initiatives
12:45 PM 2:00 PM Lunch and Prayer Break

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Plenary Session – VI: Groundwater Management in the ECO Region
Partner: International Water Management Institute (IWMI) & Islamic Relief Pakistan
Groundwater plays a critical role in supporting agriculture and food security across the ECO region.
However, it faces mounting pressures from rapid population growth, escalating agricultural demands,
and the impacts of climate change. Unsustainable extraction, inadequate management practices, and
climate-induced stress are depleting aquifers, deteriorating water quality, and jeopardizing the long-
term sustainability of this essential resource.

This session will address the key challenges in groundwater management, emphasizing the roles of
science, technology, and policy in ensuring long-term sustainability. Experts will explore innovative
solutions like Managed Aquifer Recharge (MAR) and discuss the need for regional cooperation and
capacity building to address shared groundwater issues. Panelists will also engage in deliberations on
achieving sustainable groundwater management. Furthermore, the session will also highlight how
ECO countries can collaborate to protect groundwater for future generations through enhanced
management and policy frameworks.
2:10 PM Engr. Ahmed Kamal, Welcome Remarks Water Resource Management Expert,
and former chairman Federal flood commission Pakistan
Keynote Presenters:
2:25 PM • Dr. Muhammad Ashraf, Experience Sharing Groundwater from Monitoring
to Management-Country Representative- International Water Management
Institute (IWMI), Pakistan
2:40 PM • Dr. Muhammad Arshad, Application of Managed Aquifer Recharge: A
leading-edge technology to replenish Aquifers - Deputy Country
Representative - International Water Management Institute (IWMI), Pakistan
2:55 PM • Mr. Asif Sherazi, Country Director - Islamic Relief Pakistan (IRP)

3:10 PM Q&A
Moderator: Ms. Sitara Gill, Senior Research Officer, IWMI-Pakistan
Rapporteur: Ms. Iqra Akram, Senior Research Officer, IWMI-Pakistan

3:30 PM Closing Ceremony

Prof. Mukhtar Ahmad, Chairman Higher Education Commission, Pakistan
H.E. Dr. Asad Majeed Khan, Secretary General, Economic Cooperation
Organization (ECO), Pakistan
Prof. Dr. Rasoul Roknizadeh, President, University of Isfahan Isfahan, Iran
Prof. Seyed Komail Tayebi, President ECO Science Foundation (ECOSF), Pakistan