KARACHI, Sept 23: Participants of a panel discussion on “role of science and technology in sustainable development” expressed the view that scientists should deliver the goods in regard to value addition to natural resources and agricultural produce available in the less-developed countries.

While admitting that science was a mechanism that brought enlightenment within people, they said that scientific achievement should be aimed at achieving sustainable development and for the betterment of humanity. In addition to their theories and thesis, scientists should now hunt for technological input, and material with value-added products, observed the participants coming from Turkey, Japan, Egypt, Bangladesh, Germany and Pakistan, as well.

The panel discussion was organized by the HEJ Research Institute of Chemistry, University of Karachi, as part of its two-day seminar, which concluded on the campus on Monday.

The adviser to Comstech on science, Dr Anwar Nasim, conducted the discussion, while KU vice-chancellor Dr Zafar Saied Saify presided over the session.

In his opening remarks, Dr Anwar observed that despite different polices on science and technology and education no meaningful implementation or political willingness was witnessed in the past.

The vice-chancellor called for interaction of universities and institutions with society and industries as it was necessary for sustainable development.

The speakers called for sustainability of R&D organizations, which could also be ensured by these organizations by undertaking projects on their own. They also called for identification of the society needs, setting up of priorities, assessment of available resources and capability to acheive any target.

Earlier, in the morning session, which was chaired by Dr Anwar Nasim, Prof A. K. Azad Khan of Bangladesh, in his lecture, talked about healthcare system of the poor population by organized efforts. He highlighted the role of the Bangladesh Diabetic Association.

Prof El-Sayed El Ashry of Egypt presented his views about the scientific contribution of Prof Atta. Prof Ichiya Ninomya of Japan discussed Japan-Pakistan cooperation in the filed of chemical sciences.

A professor from Dhaka University, Nilufar Nahar, in his presentation referred to the role of medicinal plants in healthcare system and recent developments in the filed of drug development. Dr M. Iqbal Choudhary, acting director of the HEJ Institute, emphasised the need of science and technology in sustainable development and mentioned that sustainable development was a new, and perhaps the only viable paradigm of human development.

He said it was now universally accepted that there was no development possible without the judicious application of science and technology. Former co-director of HEJ, Dr Viqaruddin Ahmad also spoke.