Malaysian Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has welcomed COMSTECH initiatives aimed at preparing the Muslim world for emerging scientific, technological and societal challenges, while discussions have also opened the possibility of Malaysia hosting a future Science and Technology Summit.
The development came during an interaction between Prime Minister Anwar and OIC-COMSTECH Coordinator General Prof Dr M. Iqbal Choudhary on Monday on the sidelines of the International Future Conference 2026 in Kuala Lumpur. The two sides discussed future projects, expanded cooperation and the possibility of organising a dedicated science and technology summit in Malaysia.
Prime Minister Anwar inaugurated the two-day International Future Conference 2026 at the International Institute of Islamic Thought and Civilisation (ISTAC), International Islamic University Malaysia (IIUM). Organised by OIC-COMSTECH in collaboration with IIUM, the conference is being held on September 28-29 under the theme “Shaping the Future Through Knowledge, Innovation, and Civilisational Leadership.”
Around 180 policymakers, academics, scientists, technology experts, institutional leaders and youth representatives are participating in the international gathering.
In his keynote address, Anwar highlighted the need for Muslim societies to strengthen their engagement with knowledge, intellectual heritage and emerging areas of science. He called for greater intellectual freedom, creativity and the willingness to challenge established assumptions while exploring new fields of knowledge.
The Malaysian prime minister also stressed that technological progress, including artificial intelligence and digital transformation, should remain connected with ethical, cultural and societal values. He argued for a broader approach in which science and technology develop alongside philosophy, history, morality and the humanities.
OIC Assistant Secretary-General for Science and Technology Ambassador Aftab Ahmad Khokhar said OIC member states had a collective responsibility to build a future based on knowledge, science, technology and innovation while ensuring that technological development remained aligned with human dignity, ethical principles and sustainable development.
He described science and innovation as strategic foundations for resilience, technological self-reliance and future prosperity, while commending OIC-COMSTECH for creating a platform that connects policymakers, academia, industry and young people.
Prof. Choudhary said the conference was designed to help the Muslim world respond to rapidly changing technological, economic and social realities. He emphasized that stronger cooperation between scientific, educational, policy and industrial stakeholders could generate new partnerships among OIC member states.
The conference is addressing six broad areas: artificial intelligence and space technologies; climate change and energy transition; future economies and Islamic social finance; halal technology and development; youth, leadership and human capital development; and the future of education.
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The first day is focusing on AI and space technologies, climate change and energy transition, and future economies and Islamic social finance. Discussions on the second day will examine halal technology, youth and human capital development, and the future of education.
