The Islamic Organization for Food Security (IOFS) launched the 2nd International Forum for Agri-Biotechnology on 4 July 2023, under the patronage of the Ministry of Education and Science of the Republic of Kazakhstan, with the support of the Ministerial Standing Committee on Scientific and Technological Cooperation of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (COMSTECH), COMSATS University Islamabad, as well as the National Center for Biotechnology (Kazakhstan).
The forum aims to stimulate the desire to collaborate and change the world of agricultural biotechnology, allowing the research community to discuss latest developments in the rapidly advancing field and find ways to respond to the increasing demands of professionals and communities across the world. To note, living organisms are equipped with the ability to redefine and improve themselves naturally to adapt to inherently dynamic environmental conditions. However, the evolutionary process fundamentally takes centuries for the changes to be notable. Consequently, humanity has progressively designed strategies and tools to help align crops and livestock to fulfill their needs. One of the most common tools includes agricultural biotechnology.
In this context, the International Forum was designed to feature distinguished speakers sharing their research findings and engaging in panel discussions to find innovative solutions. Throughout the event, 47 presentations are expected to be shared - 31 physical, 12 online, and 4 videos, by speakers from over 15 countries.
H.E. Director General of IOFS Prof. Yerlan A. Baidaulet welcomed the guests and noted the importance and relevance of convening the forum today in Astana. The Director General highlighted the idea of the President of Kazakhstan, HE Kassym-Jomart Tokayev on the necessity of establishing an International BioSafety Agency in Kazakhstan, and called for collaboration to ensure Biosecurity through the development of biotechnology in the OIC Geography. “The essence of Biotechnology is more straightforward than we often comprehend. It is crucial to human progress, global competitiveness, and environmental stewardship. Biotechnology has the potential to eliminate hunger and poverty, ensure food security, and provide access to nutritious food,” Prof. Baidaulet stated.
The opening session also included welcoming speeches from H.E. Prof. M. Iqbal Choudhary, Coordinator General of COMSTECH, and H.E. Mr. Tlektes Yespolov, President of the Academy of Agricultural Sciences of the Republic of Kazakhstan. The session concluded with a solemn signing ceremony of a Tripartite MoU with IOFS, the Academy of Agricultural Sciences of the Republic of Kazakhstan and the Tajik Academy of Agricultural Sciences (TAAS).
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The conference then featured two technical sessions. The first session, focused on Green Biotechnology, covered topics such as cutting-edge biotechnologies, RNA interference-based technology, CRISPR/Cas technology, and more. Meanwhile, panel discussions explored the practical implementation and social acceptance of these technologies.
The second technical session, centered on Breeding Tools, elaborating on genomic selection strategies, the role of wild wheat relatives, high-throughput molecular assays, and other breeding techniques. The panel discussions focused on partnership and knowledge sharing among OIC member states.
Simultaneously, a parallel session on Microbial Biotechnology explored interventions to control transboundary pests and diseases, bioconversion of keratin wastes, plant-based insecticides, and the use of microbiome technologies. This session also highlighted the importance of engaging youth and implementing sustainable solutions. The knowledge of young scientists is essential in the continued growth and improvement of agricultural biotechnology, consequently, the forum was also dedicated for young scientists to be involved in such opportunities, building a strong network and staying updated on the latest developments.
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The event provides an excellent platform for an exchange of expertise, knowledge, networking and fostering advancements in the field of agriculture and biotechnology. Attendees received the chance to gain valuable insights from esteemed speakers, engage in discussions and explore potential collaborations that can contribute to sustainable development of OIC Member States.
