Iran Explores Enhanced Scientific Collaboration with Uzbekistan and Slovakia

In a significant move towards enhancing international academic partnerships, Iranian Science Minister Hossein Simaei-Sarraf has engaged with the presidents of both Uzbekistan and Slovakia. These discussions, aimed at promoting scientific and technological collaborations, took place during the 43rd Session of the United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) General Conference in Samarkand, Uzbekistan, from October 30 to November 13.

During a meeting on Friday, Shavkat Miromonovich Mirziyoyev, the President of Uzbekistan, expressed Tashkent’s eagerness to enhance cultural, scientific, and technological cooperation with Iran. The Mehr news agency reported that Minister Simaei-Sarraf emphasized the importance of academic and scientific relations between the two nations and extended an invitation for the Uzbek official to visit Iran.

• Strengthening Science Diplomacy: Both parties underscored the need to fortify science diplomacy and bilateral relations.

On the same day, Minister Simaei-Sarraf also met with Peter Pellegrini, the President of Slovakia. In light of ongoing international and geopolitical tensions, Pellegrini acknowledged Iran’s significance, stating, “Iran is a big, important, and strategic country. [Boosting] diplomatic and friendly relations with all countries, including Iran, is an essential need.”

Furthermore, Simaei-Sarraf held discussions with Shirley Agrupis, the Filipino commissioner of the Commission on Higher Education (CHED). They focused on enhancing science, research, and academic collaborations, as reported by IRNA. Key topics of their discussion included:

• Status of Women in Higher Education: Addressing the role and representation of women in academic spheres.
• Academic and Student Exchanges: Promoting programs that facilitate student mobility.
• Joint Research Initiatives: Exploring collaborative research in new technologies and marine sciences.
• Memorandum of Understanding: Planning to sign an agreement to expand cooperation between top universities of both countries.

The UNESCO General Conference convenes every two years to set policies and outline major work priorities. This year’s session marks a historic first, as it is being held outside of Paris.

According to Simaei-Sarraf, the core aim of his participation is to enhance and solidify scientific cooperation between Iran and other participating countries, as reported by IRIB. The session is primarily focused on:

• Higher Education in Emergencies: Strategies to ensure education continuity during crises.
• Education and Digital Technologies: Integrating technology into learning environments.
• Ethics in Education: Particularly concerning artificial intelligence.
• Cultural Heritage and Dialogue: Promoting understanding through cultural exchange.
• Gender Equality and Women’s Leadership: Fostering equality in educational leadership roles.
• Climate Crises: Addressing educational responses to environmental challenges.
• Skills Development and Training: Preparing students for future job markets.

Minister Simaei-Sarraf emphasized Iran’s wealth of experience and knowledge in these critical areas, which the nation is prepared to share with other countries. He reiterated that the primary goal of higher education in Iran is to promote science diplomacy and actively engage in various fields, including education, culture, science, civilization, and historical disciplines.

In conclusion, Simaei-Sarraf expressed optimism that participation in the UNESCO session would pave the way for both bilateral and multilateral cooperation, fostering a collaborative international academic community.