in education, training and research; and To support the relevant programs and initiatives of major international organizations working for the development and promotion of science and technology in the South. History COMSATS was established following a foundation meeting organized by the Government of Pakistan, held on October 4–5, 1994, at the behest of the world-renowned scientist and Nobel Laureate from Pakistan, Prof. Abdul Salam. The Inter-governmental Agreement to this effect was signed in Islamabad, with support of the Ministry of Science and Technology (MoST), Government of Pakistan, The World Academy of Sciences (TWAS) and the Consortium on Science, Technology and Innovation for the South (COSTIS). Major Programmes and Projects COMSATS programmes and projects relate to the socio-economic needs of its member countries. In this context, the organization focuses on: Capacity-building through education and training, seminars, symposia, workshops, fellowships and expert-exchange programs; Research and development through joint projects in scientific fields, like Information and communication technologies, agriculture, environment, biotechnology, medicinal products, materials sciences, etc. Knowledge dissemination through COMSATS publications, web-sites/web-portals; Higher education in Science and Technology with the support of COMSATS’ Centres of Excellence and their affiliated institutions in the member countries. On-Going Projects COMSATS University Islamabad (CUI) COMSATS Internet Services (CIS) COMSATS Tele-Health Services Syrian-COMSATS-COMSTECH Information Technology Center (SCCITC), Damascus - Syria ISESCO-COMSATS Islamic World Science Net (IWSN), Web-portal International Collaboration Keeping in view the common goals of building and promoting indigenous capacities in science and technology for science-led development, COMSATS has signed a number of Memoranda of Understanding (MoU) with various Ministries, International Organizations and Academic Institutions, to effectively conduct developmental initiatives. Also, the organization has close working relations with various development and donor agencies, such as UNESCO, ISESCO, TWAS/TWNSO, COMSTECH, ICGEB, etc. Membership the following are listed as members of COMSATS: References Further reading External links COMSATS official website COMSATS University Islamabad (CUI) official website COMSATS Internet Services (CIS) official website Islamic World Science Net (IWSN) official website International sustainability organizations Educational organisations based in Pakistan Intergovernmental organizations Scientific organisations based in Pakistan Environmental organizations established in 1994 Scientific organizations established in 1994 The World Academy of Sciences