UNOSSC-MSTF Unveil Joint Publication
The joint publication by the United Nations Office for South-South Cooperation (UNOSSC) and the Mustafa(Pbuh) Science and Technology Foundation (MSTF) entitled “South-South in Action; Human Welfare and Peace through Development of Science and Technology” was unveiled.
MSTF Media reports:
the unveiling ceremony of the joint publication by the UNOSSC and the MSTF entitled “South-South in Action; Human Welfare and Peace through Development of Science and Technology” was held on 22 October 2018 with the presence of Jorge Chediak, Director of the United Nations Office for South-South Cooperation and the Envoy of the UN Secretary-General; Ali Morteza Birang; Deputy for International Affairs and Head of Technological Exchange Center of the I.R.I Vice-Presidency for Science and Technology; Majid Bizmark, Director General of International Multilateral Cooperation of the I.R.I. Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and representatives of specialized organizations of Turkey and Mexico.
At the beginning of this meeting, Mahdi Saffarinia, Head of the MSTF, said: “Science and scientists have always had a special status in the world and people have held them in considerable respect throughout centuries. For decades, Iran has been a source of disseminating knowledge to the world; in Islam, the dissemination of knowledge to others has been emphasized so that others will also enjoy this great gift and blessing.
Stating that the MSTF pursues a mission to support the development of science and technology, Saffarinia said: “the MSTF awards the Mustafa
Prize as a top science and technology prize for competence and scientific excellence to globally honor the prominent figures in science and technology who have expanded the boundaries of knowledge to promote public welfare while playing a valuable role in society.
“With a view to promoting peace, security, and well-being of mankind, the MSTF has launched its mission to develop science and technology in the Muslim world. In so doing, the MSTF has put on its agenda identifying and honoring leading scientists and researchers; laying the groundwork for developing interactive cooperation among researchers; and increasing synergy and camaraderie among the Islamic countries, as a significant part of the geography of the South, in fields of science and technology with an emphasis on advanced technologies”, he added.
The Head of the MSTF further said: “According to the mission explained, the MSTF devised and developed an action plan to exploit science and technology at various levels including school students, university students, professors, and faculty members of the universities in form of holding Noor school student competition, KANS scientific competition, and science and technology exchange program (STEP) in Islamic Countries.
“The MSTF activities, in line with developing cooperation among Islamic countries as a major part of the countries of the Global South, are aligned with some of the objectives of the United Nations Office for South-South Cooperation (UNOSSC) which can help realize the MSTF’s visions and mission”, Saffarinia continued.
Stating that South-South cooperation is referred to as the general framework for cooperation among the countries of the Global South in political, economic, social, cultural, environmental, and technical areas, he went on to say: “The MSTF has made it possible for its audience to enjoy the scientific cooperation more than before through the network created by international communications in science and technology.”
"The MSTF’s objectives and activities have been widely accepted and are well-liked. The opportunity to develop such precious experiences have been provided by this Foundation in form of a publication entitled “South-South in Action; Human Welfare and Peace through Development of Science and Technology” at the United Nations, which will be effective in promoting science and technology”, added the Head of the MSTF as his final remarks.
Jorge Chediak, Director of the United Nations Office for South-South Cooperation and the Envoy of the UN Secretary-General said in this meeting that the Office for South-South Cooperation was founded in 1950 seeking cooperation among different countries to develop science. This cooperation has led to the Global South playing a 50-percent role in the global economy in recent years.
“The United Nations is very pleased for cooperating on preparing the publication entitled “South-South in Action; Human Welfare and Peace through Development of Science and Technology” and appreciates the MSTF for supporting scientists”, he added.
