Addressing as keynote speaker at the ‘Networking of Water Centers of Excellence in OIC Member States’ event, the PM’s climate aide stressed on the need for enhanced cooperation among nations for judicious sharing of transboundary water resources to maintain regional stability.

The event was organized in Islamabad by the OIC-COMSTECH and the OIC General Secretariat in collaboration with SESRIC (Statistical, Economic and Social Research and Training Centre for Islamic Countries, INWADARM (COMSTECH Inter-Islamic Network on Water Resources Development and Management) and a non-governmental organisation.

Alam also shed light on the exacerbating water scarcity challenges being faced by OIC member countries because of climate change, urbanisation, and population growth, pointing out that 15 of the world’s most water-stressed nations are OIC members.

She proposed the creation of an OIC Water Security Forum to address the cross-border water challenges and a mechanism to mobilise financial resources for large-scale projects from available funding regional and international avenues.  

H.E. Ambassador Aftab Ahmad Khokar, Assistant Secretary-General of OIC for Science and Technology, underscored the OIC’s commitment to tackling water-related challenges through collaborative research and policy initiatives. He stated, "The OIC is dedicated to strengthening regional cooperation in water security and management. This initiative will serve as a platform to harness scientific expertise and innovative solutions for the benefit of all member states."

Earlier during his welcome address, H.E. Prof. Dr. M. Iqbal Choudhary, Coordinator General of COMSTECH, outlined major initiatives that COMSTECH is undertaking to enhance capacity building in water research and technology.