Riyadh Hosts MENA Research Councils to Foster Regional Collaboration on Future Challenges
His remarks came while chairing the MENA regional meeting, held alongside the 13th annual GRC gathering. The event, hosted by KACST and the Research Development and Innovation Authority (RDIA) in partnership with Türkiye's Scientific and Technological Research Council (TÜBİTAK), brought together heads of research councils from across the region.
Eldesouki also emphasized that scientific research is key to sustainable development, enabling innovative solutions to pressing societal challenges. He reaffirmed KACST's commitment to promoting collaboration and knowledge exchange with both local and global partners, aiming to strengthen the region's role in the global research and innovation landscape.
During the meeting, attendees reviewed the secretariat's annual report, which outlined progress in bilateral cooperation, capacity-building efforts, and persistent challenges such as funding limitations and knowledge transfer barriers.
Council leaders underscored the importance of linking research outcomes to industry and advocated for stronger partnerships among universities, research institutions, and the private sector to tackle common challenges in food and water security, and renewable energy.
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