Bali: Assistant Secretary-General for Science and Technology, Ambassador Aftab Ahmad Khokher, represented H.E. Mr. Hissein Brahim Taha, Secretary-General of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), at the World University Association for Community Development (WUACD) 2026 Summit held in Bali on 21 June 2026. The Summit was attended by university leaders, researchers, policymakers, and development practitioners from various regions of the world. According to Organisation of Islamic Cooperation, in his keynote address at the opening plenary, Amb. Aftab Khokher highlighted the important role of higher education institutions in addressing contemporary global challenges through research, innovation, and community engagement. He commended WUACD for promoting cooperation among universities and fostering community-oriented higher education, while also welcoming the growing collaboration between WUACD and COMSTECH. He underscored the OICs commitment to advancing education, science, technology, and innovation as key drivers of sustainable development across its Member States. He also encouraged cooperation between WUACD and OIC universities, including the Islamic University of Technology (Bangladesh), the Islamic University in Uganda, the Islamic University in Niger, King Faisal University (Chad), and the International Islamic University Malaysia. Amb. Aftab Khokher further emphasised the importance of strengthening partnerships among universities, industries, governments, and local communities. He noted that local industries play a vital role in driving community development and translating innovation into tangible socio-economic benefits, and reaffirmed the OIC General Secretariats readiness to support collaborative initiatives within its mandate and capacities.