Ankara, T\u00fcrkiye \/ Islamabad, Pakistan \u2014 10 April 2025<\/p>\n
The Commission on Science and Technology for Sustainable Development in the South (COMSATS) and the Scientific and Technological Research Council of T\u00fcrkiye (T\u00dcB\u0130TAK) successfully co-organized a high-level Online Training Workshop on Zero Waste on Thursday. Inaugurated by Ambassador Dr. Muhammad Nafees Zakaria, Executive Director of COMSATS, and Dr. \u0130smail Do\u011fan, Vice President T\u00dcB\u0130TAK, the workshop was a reflection of the two organizations\u2019 longstanding commitment to strengthening science-based sustainable development in the South. In their opening remarks, both leaders emphasized the urgent need for systemic transformation in waste management systems, and underscored the importance of multilateral cooperation in addressing the mounting environmental and resource-use challenges.<\/p>\n
In a special message for the event, H.E. Mr. Khalid Hussain Magsi, Federal Minister for Science and Technology, Government of Pakistan, lauded the joint initiative of COMSATS and T\u00dcB\u0130TAK\u2014two institutions that have long served as pillars of science-driven development in the Global South.\u201d The Minister remarked: \u201cZero Waste is not merely an environmental ambition\u2014it is a national governance priority. It is a socio-economic and health necessity, and a commitment to future generations.\u201d The Minister further noted that \u201cPakistan, as a founding member of COMSATS, has placed sustainability at the core of its national development agenda, launching a series of ambitious reforms aimed at inclusive, equitable, and resilient growth.\u201d<\/p>\n
The technical proceedings of the workshop were structured into two thematic sessions, each highlighting advancements in research and the practical integration of zero waste principles into scientific and technological innovation. The first session, titled \u201cWaste-to-Resource Technologies,\u201d explored the growing potential of transforming waste streams into valuable resources. Discussions delved into the impacts of microplastics in marine ecosystems and the pressing need for research-driven mitigation strategies. Innovative approaches to extracting plant-based proteins from agricultural waste showcased how food security and resource efficiency can be addressed simultaneously. <\/p>\n
The second session, \u201cWaste Management and Recycling,\u201d focused on enhancing current waste handling systems through technological innovation and circular economy practices. Presentations covered diverse areas, including the re-refining of used lubricants, advanced sludge dewatering techniques for municipal wastewater treatment, and membrane-based technologies enabling the chemical recovery of valuable compounds from industrial effluents. The session also highlighted novel methods for the recovery and recycling of critical raw materials essential to hydrogen energy systems. <\/p>\n
The event aligned closely with the Zero Waste Programme of T\u00fcrkiye, an internationally acclaimed initiative led by the First Lady of T\u00fcrkiye, H.E. Emine Erdo\u011fan. The programme promotes waste minimization, recycling, and responsible consumption across all sectors of society. In this context, the workshop also acknowledged the commendable efforts being undertaken under Pakistan\u2019s \u201cSuthra Punjab\u201d Programme\u2014a flagship initiative envisioned by the Honourable Chief Minister of Punjab, Ms. Maryam Nawaz Sharif. The programme represents a transformative approach to integrated provincial-level waste management and sanitation, rooted in principles of environmental stewardship, community ownership, and behavioural change.<\/p>\n
The workshop marked yet another milestone in COMSATS\u2019 efforts to foster South-South and Triangular Cooperation for science, technology, and innovation. With a network of 27 member countries and 25 Centres of Excellence, COMSATS remains dedicated to enabling its member states to harness science for sustainable development and environmental resilience. T\u00dcB\u0130TAK, as T\u00fcrkiye\u2019s leading national R&D organization, continues to serve as a strategic partner in advancing scientific excellence and technology-driven sustainability solutions, both domestically and across the wider Global South.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
Ankara, T\u00fcrkiye \/ Islamabad, Pakistan \u2014 10 April 2025 The Commission on Science and Technology for Sustainable Development in the South (COMSATS) and the Scientific and Technological Research Council of T\u00fcrkiye (T\u00dcB\u0130TAK) successfully co-organized a high-level Online Training Workshop on Zero Waste on Thursday. Inaugurated by Ambassador Dr. Muhammad Nafees Zakaria, Executive Director of COMSATS, […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":471650,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[4],"tags":[],"class_list":{"0":"post-471648","1":"post","2":"type-post","3":"status-publish","4":"format-standard","5":"has-post-thumbnail","7":"category-national"},"yoast_head":"\n