Islamabad, Pakistan – April 15, 2025 – The ECO Science Foundation (ECOSF), a specialized agency of the Economic Cooperation Organization (ECO), is set to host the International Conference on Science, Technology, and Innovation (STI): Catalysts for Regional Connectivity and Sustainable Development in the ECO Region (ECONEX 2025) on April 17– 18, 2025, at the Higher Education Commission (HEC), H-9, Islamabad. This landmark conference aims to promote regional collaboration among ECO Member Countries to address regional challenges through Science, Technology, and Innovation (STI).
Science, Technology, and Innovation are pivotal for economic progress and regional integration. The ECO Member Countries—Afghanistan, Azerbaijan, Iran, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Pakistan, Tajikistan, Türkiye, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan—share deep scientific, cultural, and economic ties. However, varying levels of technological development and innovation capacity pose challenges to economic integration, regional trade, and technology transfer. ECONEX 2025 will provide a platform to bridge these knowledge gaps, enhance competitiveness, and tackle pressing issues such as water scarcity, climate change, energy security, economic relations, and human resource capacity building.
Organized by the ECO Science Foundation, Pakistan, in collaboration with co-organizers the Higher Education Commission (HEC) and the Economic Cooperation Organization (ECO), Iran, the conference will bring together over 30 international guests from countries including Türkiye, Iran, China, and Thailand, alongside more than 250 local experts, industry representatives, scholars, policymakers, high-level delegates, and diplomats. The event is supported by partners including the CAREC Institute (China), ECO Educational Institute (Türkiye), National Energy Efficiency and Conservation Authority (NEECA) Pakistan, International Water Management Institute (Pakistan), Islamic Relief Pakistan, Health Services Academy (Pakistan), COMSTECH, Pakistan Science Foundation, and the Organization for Development of International Science and Technology Collaboration (ODISTC), Iran.
The two-day conference will feature five plenary sessions addressing critical themes:
- Regional Collaboration on Science, Technology, and Innovation (STI) Ecosystem
- Enhancing Regional Trade and Connectivity in the ECO Region
- Human Capital Development in the ECO Region
- Fostering Regional Collaboration on Healthcare Innovation and Biotech in the ECO Region
- Building a Sustainable and Resilient Energy Future for ECO Member Countries
- Groundwater Management in the ECO Region “ECONEX 2025 is a transformative platform for ECO Member States to harness STI for sustainable development and regional connectivity,” said Prof. Seyed Komail Tayebi, President of ECOSF. “By sharing knowledge, resources, and expertise, we can reduce development disparities and address shared challenges like climate change and energy security, paving the way for a more resilient and prosperous ECO region.”
The conference will facilitate high-level discussions, and networking opportunities, fostering actionable strategies for STI-driven growth. It will also showcase innovative solutions and best practices to enhance regional cooperation, making it a pivotal event for policymakers, academics, and industry leaders across the ECO region.
About ECO Science Foundation (ECOSF)
The ECO Science Foundation, headquartered in Islamabad, is a specialized agency of the Economic Cooperation Organization (ECO) dedicated to promoting science, technology, and innovation for sustainable development across its 10 member states.
About Economic Cooperation Organization (ECO)
The ECO is an intergovernmental organization established in 1985 to promote economic, technical, and cultural cooperation among its member states, fostering regional integration and development.
About Higher Education Commission (HEC)
The Higher Education Commission of Pakistan is an independent body responsible for funding, overseeing, regulating, and accrediting higher education institutions in Pakistan, driving research and innovation for national development.
