Overshadowed by Oil: Reaching Out to Developing Countries in the Organization of the

Dr Zakri will reflect on the challenges facing many Islamic-world countries as they strive to realise their ambitions in science, and draw on his own country, Malaysia, as a specific example. Whilst often overshadowed by emerging ‘hotspots’ in the Middle East, the reality is that 22 of the world’s 50 least developed countries are OIC Member States. Understanding the relationship between science, innovation and development is crucial to promoting capacity building and fostering engagement. He will also consider the effects of brain drain, exploring policy options to counter this and ways in which diaspora communities could become a key tool in building relations.