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ISC strengthens ties in the Middle East with new regional initiative

The International Science Council (ISC) and the Ministry of Higher Education, Research and Innovation of Oman (MOHERI) sign a letter of intent to establish a Regional Focal Point to strengthen cooperation on science, technology and innovation within and beyond the region.

Recognizing the Middle East’s rich heritage and contributions to global science and innovation — the ISC and the Ministry of Higher Education, Research and Innovation of Oman are proud to announce their intent to launch an ISC Regional Focal Point. This initiative aims to facilitate international research cooperation and exchange, and to promote cross-regional scientific dialogue across all domains of science on critical global challenges.

The signing ceremony was a highlight of the opening of the Muscat Global Knowledge Dialogue, a flagship scientific event held under the patronage of His Highness Sayyid Asaad bin Tariq Al Said, Deputy Prime Minister for International Relations and Cooperation Affairs and Personal Representative of His Majesty the Sultan.

The signing of the letter of intent will pave the path for further collaboration among state members in the field of science and technology. This flagship project will foster the collaborative and scientific solidarity between the ISC and the Ministry of Higher Education Research and Innovation of Oman. It will also provide a platform for the members in the region to join forces and tackle complex challenges the region faces in various aspects of scientific exchange and cooperation. It will contribute to achieving many global initiatives, such as the Sustainable Development Goals, which are integral to Oman Vision 2040.

Ahmed bin Khamis Al Qatiti, Director of International Cooperation, Oman Ministery of Higher Education, Research and Innovation

“We are honoured to collaborate with the Ministry for Higher Education, Research and Innovation in Oman, whose vision and leadership have made this significant step toward establishing a Regional Focal Point possible. Signing this letter of intent reflects our commitment to inclusive global collaboration that leverages the unique strengths and perspectives of the Middle East”.

Sire Peter Gluckman, ISC President

ISC’s regional presence

The ISC has Members and partners across the world, and is active in all regions. It has two Regional Focal Points that are already working closely with Members and individual scientists, contributing to the capacity building of science systems and strengthening the global voice for science in their regions.

  • The Regional Focal Point for Latin America and the Caribbean hosted by the Academia Colombiana de Ciencias Exactas, Fisicas y Naturales was launched in 2021.
  • The Asia and the Pacific Regional Focal Point is hosted by the Australian Academy of Science and was launched in 2022.
  • The dialogue to establish a presence in Africa started in 2022 with the ISC’s partner Future Africa, a pan-African organization based in South Africa, which explored possibilities and made recommendations to the ISC.
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