NUST becomes Pakistan’s first university to join the DCO

Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, and Islamabad, Pakistan – Continuing its mission to enable digital prosperity for all, the Digital Cooperation Organization (DCO) today welcomed the National University of Science and Technology (NUST) as an official observer. The announcement builds on the Secretary General’s inaugural visit to Pakistan in November 2021, and significantly expands the DCO’s capability to empower youth to prosper in the digital economy.

The DCO, with a focus on digital economy initiatives supporting youth, entrepreneurs and women globally, will work with NUST to share research and innovation capability within Pakistan and with other DCO member state countries. The DCO represents over half a billion people, 70% of them under the age of 35.

The Islamabad-based National University of Science and Technology (NUST) is Pakistan’s premier Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) university, and highest ranked Pakistan university according to the QS World University rankings. In 2011, NUST established its Research & Innovation (R&I) Offices to strengthen Pakistan’s research ecosystem.

Commenting on the new partnership, NUST’s Rector, Eng. Javed Mahmood Bukhari said:

“NUST is proud to be the new member of the DCO, bringing together Pakistan’s finest talent and minds to better the digital world we live in. Connecting our students to the vibrant digital network of the DCO is an endorsement of Pakistan’s technological aspirations and provides new career opportunities for our youth and young graduates. NUST looks forward to collaborating with the members of DCO and to closing the digital divide.”

The announcement continues DCO’s ambitious global membership expansion, as leading universities, technology companies and non-profits join the organization to create global digital prosperity. The DCO agenda includes programs to enhance cross-border data flows, support for market expansion for small and medium-sized enterprises, empowerment of digital entrepreneurs, and advancement of digital inclusion among women and youth.

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