Daily Times

ISLAMABAD – Former federal minister Dr Attaur Rehman appointed as chairman of United Nations (UN) Committee on Science, Technology and Innovation (STI) has chaired its first meeting and discussed challenges and opportunities for the sector.

The UN Economic Social Commission for Asia and Pacific (ESCAP) organised the meeting with a theme – Harnessing Science, Technology and Innovation for Sustainable Socio-Economic Development.

The issues, challenges and opportunities for the STI sector in implementing Sustainable Development Growth were discussed in the meeting in Bangkok and panel advised ESCAP on the matter and how it can support regional STI cooperation and collaboration in future.

On the occasion, Dr Atta said the UN General Assembly adopted, in 2015, the most ambitious and detailed programme for upcoming 15 years called Agenda 2030. The programme will improve welfare of people around the globe.

The UN Committee for implementation of this agenda is co-chaired by Dr Atta and Tan Sri Zakri, Advisor for Science to Malaysian Prime Minister. Scientists have congratulated Dr Atta on his achievement and said it was an honour for the country.

It merits mentioned here that Professor Atta, also former chairman of Higher Education Commission (HEC), specialises in organic chemistry and was a leading scientist in his time. He has also served as the federal minister for science and technology from 2000 to 2002. Dr Atta was the minister for education in 2002 and was later appointed as chairman of HEC during the same year.