ISLAMABAD, April 15 (ABC): The OIC Ministerial Standing Committee on Scientific and Technological Cooperation (OIC-COMSTECH) and Huawei Technologies signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to establish a joint ICT academy aimed at strengthening digital skills across OIC member states.
They signed the MoU at the OIC-COMSTECH Secretariat in Islamabad. At the same venue, officials also inaugurated the COMSTECH-Huawei ICT Academy. The initiative targets youth empowerment and aims to enhance digital learning across 57 OIC member and five observer states.
The newly established ICT academy features modern digital infrastructure. It enables virtual instruction, hands-on training, and real-time collaboration. As a result, students and professionals across the OIC region can access advanced learning opportunities.
Leadership Highlights Strategic Importance
Chairman of the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA), Major General (R) Hafeez Ur Rehman, attended the ceremony as the chief guest. He described the initiative as a strategic step to strengthen Pakistan’s ICT sector. Moreover, he emphasised its role in promoting digital capacity-building across OIC countries.
Coordinator General OIC-COMSTECH Prof Dr Muhammad Iqbal Choudhary said the partnership with Huawei Technologies will advance digital self-reliance in member states. He added that access to modern technologies and training will enable youth to contribute to innovation-led economic development. Furthermore, he highlighted the importance of collaboration in accelerating technological progress.
Huawei Pakistan CEO Ethan Sun said the company remains committed to supporting digital transformation through skill development initiatives. He noted that the ICT academy reflects Huawei’s focus on equipping young people with industry-relevant expertise. In addition, he underlined Huawei’s long-term engagement in developing digital talent.
Training, Certifications, and Global Collaboration
Huawei leadership also highlighted ongoing programmes such as “Seeds for the Future,” which aim to nurture digital talent. Through this initiative, the ICT academy will promote inclusive digital growth, enhance cybersecurity capabilities, and support sustainable technological development in OIC countries.
The academy will function as a hub for blended learning. It will provide access to Huawei’s global training ecosystem and deliver high-quality courses in emerging technologies. Consequently, learners will gain exposure to internationally recognised standards.
Under the partnership, the ICT academy will offer certifications in 5G, Artificial Intelligence, Cloud Computing, and Cybersecurity. These programmes will help bridge the global digital skills gap. At the same time, they will prepare young professionals for evolving industry demands.
International Participation and Closing Ceremony
The event concluded with a tour of the academy, where participants observed live demonstrations of digital learning technologies. Meanwhile, ambassadors and senior diplomats from Somalia, Malaysia, Morocco, Mauritius, Azerbaijan, Algeria, and Brunei Darussalam attended the ceremony. Representatives of international and national organisations also participated, reflecting broad global interest in the initiative.