ICESCO launches science diplomacy and AI infrastructure initiatives in New York

Friday 25 September 2026 - 10:00

By: Azzat Manal

ICESCO launches science diplomacy and AI infrastructure initiatives in New York

The Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO) has announced a series of initiatives aimed at strengthening science diplomacy and widening access to advanced artificial intelligence and high-performance computing infrastructure.

The initiatives were presented during a high-level dialogue on science diplomacy and global cooperation held in New York on September 21, alongside the 2026 Science Summit and the 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly. The meeting brought together representatives of governments, international organizations, universities and scientific institutions to examine how scientific and technological cooperation can contribute to practical partnerships and sustainable development.

One of the key projects is the creation of the ICESCO-Al-Farabi Center for Science Diplomacy at Al-Farabi Kazakh National University in Almaty. The center is intended to strengthen cooperation among Africa, Asia and the Arab world, while supporting the development of expertise in science diplomacy and creating platforms for knowledge exchange and collaboration.

A second center, the Ibn Battuta-ICESCO Center for Science Diplomacy, is being established at Al Akhawayn University in Ifrane, Morocco. Together, the centers are part of ICESCO’s wider effort to develop a network connecting scientists, diplomats, universities and policymakers around common research and innovation priorities.

The organization has also advanced its initiative on universal access to artificial intelligence and high-performance computing infrastructure. ICESCO signed cooperation agreements with Al-Farabi Kazakh National University and Khoja Ahmet Yassawi International Kazakh-Turkish University to expand access to advanced computing resources and strengthen cooperation in research, education and innovation.

The initiative is particularly focused on improving opportunities for researchers in countries where access to sophisticated computing infrastructure remains limited. By connecting researchers with advanced resources, training programs and joint research projects, ICESCO aims to support broader participation in the development and application of emerging technologies.

Science diplomacy was another central theme of the New York meeting. Participants adopted the New York Declaration on Science Diplomacy for Inclusive Global Development, which emphasizes cooperation between governments, universities, research institutions, the private sector and civil society. The declaration also highlights the role of Global South countries in shaping scientific priorities and contributing to international research and innovation.

The initiatives come as artificial intelligence and advanced computing become increasingly important to scientific research, economic development and public policy. ICESCO has also been discussing cooperation with the United Nations on AI, emerging technologies and capacity-building, including efforts to help countries develop national strategies for integrating AI responsibly.

By combining science diplomacy with access to digital and computing infrastructure, ICESCO is seeking to translate international cooperation into practical research opportunities and stronger institutional partnerships. The approach also places greater emphasis on connecting scientific communities across Africa, Asia and the Arab world and expanding the participation of Global South countries in the global technology ecosystem.