ISESCO reveals shocking realities

The Islamic Educational (ISESCO) Khartoum - Abed Algayoum Ashmeag The Director General of ISESCO has said the Muslim world must increase efforts in educational, scientific and technological policies. The Islamic Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ISESCO) has the role of developing of science and technology. Dr al-Twaijri explained that the Muslim world suffers from inadequate scientific capabilities including low expenditure on research; the rate of expenditure on developing science, technology and innovation stands at less than 1 percent. The director stated that higher education and scientific research have a major role to play in reforming overall conditions in Islamic societies. He said current trends reflect shocking realities but "give us a warning signal to increase our efforts and review educational, scientific and technological policies based on factual data then introduce comprehensive change". He added that the conference itself presented a fundamental question over the causes behind the current situation despite the strategies adopted over previous sessions of the conference. He said implementation of the strategies is not the responsibility of the Conference or ISESCO, their responsibility is instead to draw the roadmap for plans of action then present it to member states to implement in-line with their national policies, financial resources and scientific and technical capabilities.