Eminent foreign mathematicians on Monday stressed the need for building research networks between the Global South and the West. They were addressing the Abdus Salam International Conference on Mathematical Sciences & Emerging Technologies (AS-ICMSET 2025) at Government College University (GCU) Lahore. The inaugural session of the conference featured presence of speakers from 15 countries.

The three-day conference, organized by the Abdus Salam School of Mathematical Sciences (ASSMS), aims to strengthen the culture of mathematical research in Pakistan and foster international collaborations.

In his inaugural address, Vice Chancellor Prof. Dr. Muhammad Omer Chaudhry noted that revitalizing ASSMS was one of his major challenges upon assuming office. He observed that the School, once known worldwide for its academic vibrancy, had faced declining admissions and faculty shortages. However, successfully hosting an event of this scale demonstrates clear progress. He praised the organizing team’s efforts and highlighted that such an international gathering, featuring leading foreign mathematicians, is unprecedented in recent memory for any public-sector institution in Pakistan.

Prof. Peter Stevenhagen, President of the International Mathematics Master (IMM), shared his experiences from repeated visits to Pakistan, challenging common European misconceptions about the country. “I feel safe here, and I encounter friendly people everywhere,” he said, highlighting the importance of breaking stereotypes on both sides. He urged Pakistani institutions to present a unified front in advancing mathematical cooperation, both nationally and internationally.

Prof. Dr. Hiraku Nakajima, President of the International Mathematical Union (IMU), emphasized the importance of programs for visiting scholars, student support, and training initiatives in strengthening mathematical research in regions like South Asia.

Prof. Bolózs Szendroi, Chair of the European Mathematical Society (EMS) Committee for Developing Countries, highlighted EMS’s mission to bridge European mathematicians with the Global South, noting that meaningful advances in mathematics often stem from individual research collaborations. Encouraging students, he remarked, “Mathematics is not a spectator sport. Nothing replaces the moment when an individual mathematician sits with a piece of paper to create new knowledge.”

Conference Chairman Dr. Khurram Shabbir said the conference will host 600 participants and over 60 national and international experts from more than 25 countries during its three-day sessions. He added that under the leadership of Vice Chancellor Prof. Omer Chaudhry, who joined a few months ago, the School has conducted over 100 seminars, nine intensive mini-courses, and, in addition to this conference, hosted 12 foreign speakers from countries including Colombia, Mexico, South Africa, China, the United States, Romania, Germany, and Spain.

The conference will feature keynote addresses, invited talks, poster sessions, and a major panel discussion on global best practices and national policy frameworks.