Strengthen ties among SCO countries to combat infectious diseases: India | India News – Times of India

Bengaluru: Union Minister of State for Science and Technology Dr. Jitendra Singh appealed to the members on Monday Shanghai Cooperation Organization ,Shanghai Cooperation OrganizationStrengthen cooperation to combat infectious diseases and prevent epidemics.
In the light of COVID-19 disrupting the world order, the minister also appealed to the scientists to find affordable healthcare solutions.
Virtually addressing the inaugural session of the 2nd SCO Young Scientist Conclave (SCO YSC) organized by the Department of Science and Technology at the Jawaharlal Nehru Center for Advanced Scientific Research (JNCASR), Singh also stressed on finding solutions to common societal challenges.
“You are all aware that the COVID-19 pandemic has had a negative impact on the lives, health and well-being of people in all countries around the world. SCO members should strengthen cooperation in preventing and combating the threat of infectious disease.” in epidemic SEO space,” Singh said.
The minister said that the role of innovators, young scientists and young scientists is crucial in finding an affordable solution to combat the pandemic.
“I have a special request to the young scientists, especially those associated with SCO, that for the welfare of the world and mankind, you must come forward and join hands to solve our common social challenges,” he said. Said.
The SCO is an intergovernmental organization, with Kazakhstan, the People’s Republic of China, the Kyrgyz Republic, the Russian Federation, the Republic of Tajikistan, Uzbekistan, Pakistan and India as member states.
The objective of this conclave is to bring the innovative young minds of these member countries on a common platform, so that they can discuss the five umbrella themes, namely, agriculture and food processing; environmental protection and natural resource management; artificial intelligence and big data research and applications; Sustainable Energy and Energy Storage; and Disease Biology and Health Services, officials said.
He added that the conclave hopes to facilitate interaction of young talents and establish a network through promoting research collaboration during this five-day hybrid meet.
Stating that India has maintained close cultural and historical ties with the SCO countries, Singh stressed on further strengthening people-to-people contacts and cultural cooperation.
“Hence, networking of young scientists is going to play a vital role in further deepening our ties and taking forward the next generation,” the minister said.
According to him, food security is another major area of ​​concern for SCO countries with a population of over three billion. In this regard, he said that technology will play an important role in increasing the quality and quantity of agricultural produce, which will ultimately increase the income of farmers.
On environmental degradation, he said that conservation of the natural environment, ecosystems and bio-diversity is of utmost importance in the context of the sustainable goals of the SDGs.
Providing accessible, reliable and sustainable modern energy sources to everyone is the only major goal in India united nations sustainable development agenda By the year 2030, the minister said, science and technology collaboration on energy innovations should be promoted by connecting the scientific community.
“We encourage the use of various clean and low carbon technologies in the energy sector,” the minister said.