Islamic nations must adapt to change, innovation: Minister

Abu Dhabi - The two-day Isesco forum aims to strengthen cooperation among its member-states.

To keep pace with the new, changing world, Muslim nations must adapt to innovations and technologies, especially in education and science, a minister has said.

In her speech at the 40th session of the executive council of Islamic Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (Isesco) - which kicked off in Abu Dhabi on Wednesday - Noura bint Mohammed Al Kaabi, Minister of Culture and Knowledge Development addressed the importance of cooperation among Islamic nations to meet the needs of the people in education, culture, and science.

She said this is key developing human capabilities in terms of creativity, innovation and in using new technologies.

"The Islamic world is going through a scope of changes that requires us to adapt to these changes through innovation, technologies and dialogue, which would help us uphold the core pillars of our religion," said Al Kaabi, who also chairs the National Commission for Education, Culture and Science.

"We need to focus on human development by integrating new technologies and innovations in the education system."

The two-day Isesco forum aims to strengthen cooperation among its member-states and make the most of this collaboration in developing education, science, culture and communication.
Preparing for future
Dr Salim bin Mohammed Al Malik, director-general of Isesco, said the Islamic world needs to develop an action mechanism for a new future.

"We have developed strategic plans to transform Isesco into an excellent and efficient organisation in upholding Islamic values and principles and as a beacon of sustainable development worldwide," he said, adding that member-states were actively supporting educational and cultural projects.

"We shall have an annual budget of $50 million by end of 2020 and half a billion dollars by end of 2025," said Dr Al Malik.

ismail@khaleejtimes.com

• UAE
• Abu Dhabi