Press Release

OPEC Fund discusses science and technology for development in Arab States

High-level Arab Region roundtable held in Dubai

32A/2005 April 17, 2005, Vienna, Austria

In a Keynote Address, delivered today on behalf of the Director General of the OPEC Fund for International Development, Mr. Suleiman J. Al-Herbish, to the Arab Region Roundtable on Harnessing Science, Technology and Innovation for Sustainability in Dubai, the OPEC Fund underscored its commitment to action towards sustainable development in the Arab region.

The Academy of Sciences for the Developing World, formerly known as the Third World Academy of Sciences (TWAS), the Initiative for Science and Technology for Sustainability (ISTS), and the Zayed International Prize co-sponsored the inaugural Roundtable of government and industry representatives from various Arab states, to identify ways of promoting scientific research and innovative technology in their countries.

“Scientists and researchers in the Arab world need to be empowered to explore and find better ways to feed, educate and employ civil society in the region”, Mr. Al-Herbish affirmed.

The Director General confirmed the OPEC Fund’s highest commitment to supporting remedies to counter the current water shortage crisis, especially in rain-fed agriculture. He called for higher levels of scientific research on desertification, and praised the innovative work of such institutions as the International Center for Biosaline Agriculture (ICBA), the Arab Organization for Agricultural Development (AOAD) and the International Center for Agricultural Research (ICARDA).