After the resounding success of the World Conferences on the theme “21st Century Mathematics in 2004, 2005 and 2007”, it gives me immense pleasure to welcome the delegate mathematicians to the 4th World Conference on 21st Century Mathematics 2009.

Research in all the fields of Mathematical Sciences should be oriented towards the twin objectives of discovering new areas hitherto unknown and expanding the frontiers of known sciences. The Abdus Salam School of Mathematical Sciences of the GC University, Lahore has distinguished itself by leading advanced studies and research in Mathematical Sciences to help realize these objectives.

I am confident that the Conference will not only provide a useful forum to the participants to share their experiences for extended collaboration in Mathematics but will also benefit them professionally. It will also help introduce the School to the international mathematics community and sensitize participants to the valuable contribution it is making in the fields of advanced studies and research.

The Conference is being organized in Lahore, which is the educational and cultural hub of Pakistan. I hope the delegates will enjoy a comfortable stay here and relish the traditional hospitality which is the hallmark of this great city.

I compliment the Abdus Salam School of Mathematical Sciences for holding the moot and wish it all the success in this endeavour.

Vice Chancellor’s Message

After three successful World Conferences on 21st Century Mathematics, the ASSMS is now planning to hold the 4th Conference in 2009. The theme of this Conference is 21st Century Mathematics 2009. Conferences provide an opportunity for transmission of knowledge based on latest research and are considered as an essential part of academic programmes of all good universities. As a member of the group of persons associated with the setting up of Abdus Salam School of Mathematical Sciences, I am happy to see that the School is now working according to the professional norms of research institutes. I am also glad to learn that many scientists and young Mathematicians shall participate in this conference. The next Conference should be a good occasion for them to share the latest knowledge in the field of Mathematics.

The role of basic sciences in the development of modern technologies is widely accepted. In advanced economies, it was abundant practical skills, based on scientific knowledge and technologies that rendered industrial output and economic growth which the world had not seen in the past. Without any doubt, behind the industrial and economic miracles were the rapid advances in basic sciences and none among them is more important than Mathematics.

As a pioneer institution of modern education, GCU, Lahore has been in the forefront of promoting all natural sciences, particularly Mathematics. The Ravians are well known for their excellence in research and contributions to the world of science and technology. GCU, Lahore has the honour of producing scientists and teachers like Prof. Abdus Salam, the Nobel Laureate - who taught Mathematics and specialized in Theoretical Physics. I hope that the grand academic traditions set by such persons will be further strengthened by this Conference.

Organizing an International Conference is always a big challenge and I am confident that the Abdus Salam School of Mathematical Sciences would hold this conference to the expectations of the world academic community. I extend my congratulations to the organizers of the Conference and wish them all success.