Iran Participates in Key UNESCO National Commissions Meeting: Strengthening Interregional Collaboration
The recent 12th Interregional Meeting of National Commissions for UNESCO took place in the historic city of Samarkand, Uzbekistan, highlighting the vital role of national commissions in driving UNESCO’s mission forward. This gathering brought together secretaries-general and representatives from national commissions globally, aiming to enhance cooperation and address contemporary challenges in education, science, culture, and communication.
According to a report by Mehr News Agency, Hassan Fartousi, the Secretary-General of Iran’s National Commission for UNESCO, represented the Islamic Republic of Iran at this significant event. His participation included engagement in four specialized meetings and multilateral discussions focused on future collaborations between UNESCO and its member states.
During the opening session, UNESCO’s Assistant Director-General for External Relations, Xing Qu, welcomed the attendees and underscored the importance of national commissions in promoting the organization’s goals. Other notable figures included:
- Ernesto Ottone Ramirez – UNESCO Assistant Director-General for Culture
- Lidia Arthur Brito – UNESCO Assistant Director-General for Natural Sciences
- Tawfik Jelassi – UNESCO Assistant Director-General for Communication and Information
These leaders shared insights on global challenges and opportunities in various sectors, emphasizing the need for ongoing collaboration between national commissions and the UNESCO Secretariat.
The meeting consisted of four specialized sessions, each addressing a strategic issue:
- Empowering youth for peace and development
- The connection between cultural figures and communities in the digital age
- The strategic role of national commissions as allies of UNESCO
- Sharing best practices for creating inclusive societies and promoting sustainable development
Throughout the event, Fartousi emphasized the importance of national commissions as strategic allies of UNESCO. He advocated for strengthening both regional and interregional cooperation among these commissions, highlighting their critical role in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and fostering cultural dialogue.
Moreover, Fartousi expressed Iran’s support for a resolution proposed by Kazakhstan concerning the role of national commissions. He reaffirmed the commitment of Iran’s National Commission for UNESCO to promoting a culture of peace and dedication to implementing UNESCO’s goals and ideals.
Over the past year, the National Commission for UNESCO in Iran has made significant strides in several areas:
- Expanding the network of UNESCO Chairs across Iranian universities
- Enhancing partnerships with Category II Centres
- Developing networks of creative and learning cities to promote inclusive and resilient societies
In addition, the structure and function of specialized national committees have been bolstered, bringing together leading experts in various fields aligned with UNESCO’s mission. This initiative aims to strengthen the scientific and intellectual foundations of the commission’s programs and enhance its effectiveness on both national and international fronts.
Thanks to collaboration with colleagues at UNESCO Headquarters in Paris, significant measures have been undertaken to reorganize the network of UNESCO clubs and associations in Iran. This includes inviting qualified NGOs to join the network and revising licensing regulations to ensure that these clubs operate professionally and effectively.
At the regional level, Iran’s National Commission has intensified its cooperation with other national commissions. Noteworthy joint efforts include the preparation of collaborative dossiers for inscription on UNESCO lists, which serves to enhance intercultural dialogue and safeguard shared heritage.
Fartousi articulated the importance of national commissions during the interregional meeting, stating, “As we discuss at this interregional meeting, let us reaffirm our collective belief that national commissions are the cornerstone of UNESCO’s presence and effectiveness at the national level. It is through our cooperation that we can translate UNESCO’s lofty ideals into concrete actions, thereby strengthening its impact on the lives of people around the world. We are fully confident that we will have the strong and sincere support of the new Director-General Khaled El-Enany.”
This interregional meeting not only served as a platform for dialogue but also reaffirmed the commitment of national commissions to work together in addressing global challenges through cooperation and collaboration. The outcomes of this meeting are expected to shape future initiatives that further UNESCO’s mission and enhance its influence globally.
