SWABI, Aug 24: The Muslim world needs concerted efforts to achieve a breakthrough in the field of science and technology.

This was stated by speakers at the concluding session of 10- day international workshop on “energy efficiency for green productivity” organized by the faculty of mechanical engineering of the Ghulam Ishaq Khan Institute of Engineering Sciences and Technology here on Sunday. The workshop was sponsored by Islamic Development Bank.

The speakers said that without enhanced interaction and cooperation, it would be very difficult to achieve technological growth. Experts from seven Muslim countries participated in the workshop.

Dr Abduali of Tajikistan said that the Muslim World is lagging behind in the modern education and there was lack of understanding among them. “There is an urgent need that distinguished Muslim scientists should work together and initiate projects for technological development. We must utilize our natural resources and those (developed world) who devised plans to exploit us should be stopped,” he demanded.

Dr Safarali Naimov of Tajikistan also expressed similar views and urged the leaders of the Muslim countries to shun differences and adopt a common strategy for development.

Dr Ziaeddin Almassi of Iran said a number of Muslim scientists were pioneers of science and technology and the world of science could not survive without their generous contribution. He said: “We need to have a look around and see where are we standing, what are our needs/requirements and if the Muslim entities cooperate than there are a few things that we need from others.”

Another expert Alireza Moradi, who also belongs to Iran, said that the Ummah was lagging behind in the science field. He said there was a dire need to train and educate people in the fundamental fields and the researchers should be supported financially by their respective states.

Dr Abdul Shaheed of Maldives said that the Ummah had not shared the technological know-how and they failed to allocate enough funds for research and higher education. In contrast the developed world had given much more importance to education and continued research in various field, he added.