OIC body, Huawei Technologies sign MoU to raise cybersecurity awareness

ISLAMABAD: The Ministerial Committee for Scientific and Technological Cooperation of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) and Huawei Technologies Pakistan signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to raise awareness of national cybersecurity and build the capabilities of OIC member states in cybersecurity.

COMSTECH and Huawei would concentrate on the enhancement of OIC’s cybersecurity professional capability, such as security management, security incident response, vulnerability management, and insight of external new security technologies and oversight security requirements.

Ethan Sun, CEO of Huawei Pakistan, said, “The MoU will lay the foundations for the OIC member states to access opportunities to promote cybersecurity awareness through knowledge sharing and cybersecurity training courses for governmental entities. Huawei is ideally positioned to share experiences and global best practices, and share expertise and methodologies that have proven successful.”

Huawei would support COMSTECH to host cybersecurity training based on Huawei cybersecurity practices and experience sharing, to systematically promote the cybersecurity awareness and capacity building for COMSTECH selected OIC governmental employees and officers, and participate in some influential regional cybersecurity events and activities, such as GISEC and GITEX.

With the rapid transformation of industries and sectors into online or digital solutions providers, cybersecurity is integral to the continuity, stability and growth of the economy. Cybersecurity expertise is needed across all industries, most urgently in government, financial services, and health care.

Huawei is a leader in digital transformation, networking and communication technologies in Pakistan and across the world. The digital economy globally is the engine of economic growth and a driver for sustainable development. As more and more essential services make use of digital transformation, science and technology will determine the economic future of countries. Huawei works closely with governments, communities and people to expand the frontiers of science and technology, transcend engineering bottlenecks and bring responsible and secure ICT technology to all industries.

COMSTECH was established by the Third Islamic Summit of OIC held at Makkah, Saudi Arabia in January 1981 with the core mandate of strengthening cooperation among OIC Member States in science and technology, and enhance their capabilities through training in emerging areas, undertake follow-up-actions and implementation of the resolutions of the OIC, and to draw up programs and submit proposals designed to increase the capability of the Muslim countries in science and technology. The ultimate aim is to build and nourish a scientific culture and contribute to socio-economic development and rapid industrialization.

COMSTECH and Huawei would work together to catalyze cybersecurity innovation and create knowledge products such as white papers or technical guidelines to showcase OIC cybersecurity advancements and contribute to the industry.

Prof Dr M Iqbal Choudhary, Coordinator General of COMSTECH, signed the MoU on behalf of the Ministerial Committee for Scientific and Technological Cooperation of the OIC.

Copyright Business Recorder, 2023