Iran Showcases Culture and Art as Foundations of Peace at Bali’s CHANDI 2025
TEHRAN — Hojatollah Ayoubi, a prominent figure in Iran’s cultural heritage sector, recently participated in the prestigious “CHANDI 2025” summit held in Bali. This event underscores the importance of culture and art as strategic assets for fostering peace and dialogue among nations.
Ayoubi, who serves as a senior advisor to Iran’s cultural heritage minister and heads the international affairs branch of the Ministry of Cultural Heritage, Tourism, and Handicrafts, arrived in Bali on September 1. Upon his arrival, he was warmly welcomed by Indonesian officials before engaging in the summit that spans from September 3 to 5. The event, organized by Indonesia’s Ministry of Culture, gathers ministers, policymakers, artists, and leaders from the creative industry under the theme of culture as a foundation for peace, resilience, and sustainable development.
The CHANDI event, which stands for Culture, Heritage, Arts, Narratives, Diplomacy, and Innovation, showcases a variety of cultural displays. These include:
- Wayang puppetry performances
- Keris exhibitions
- Regional artistic performances
Organizers emphasize that this event aims to highlight Indonesia’s cultural “mega-diversity” and create new platforms for international cooperation.
During the summit, significant agreements on cultural tourism were established with both the United Kingdom and Jordan. These agreements focus on:
- Preservation of shared heritage
- Film collaborations
- Tourism exchanges
In his bilateral discussions, Ayoubi had a meeting with Venezuela’s deputy culture minister, who reaffirmed Venezuela’s support for Iran in various international forums. Ayoubi expressed Tehran’s determination to enhance cultural and artistic cooperation with Venezuela, aiming to present the rich heritage of both nations on a global stage.
Additionally, Ayoubi met with Indonesia’s Minister of Culture, Fadli Zon, during which he emphasized that the uniqueness of Eastern civilizations lies in their culture and art. He congratulated Indonesia on its 80th anniversary of independence and acknowledged the historic ties between Iran and Southeast Asia. Zon noted the influence of Persian literature in the region and proposed collaborative projects, including:
- Literary translations
- Cultural festivals
- UNESCO nominations for traditions such as Nowruz and Ramadan iftar
While addressing a ministerial session at the summit, Ayoubi remarked on UNESCO’s extensive efforts over the decades, stating that they have not been sufficient to prevent wars and violence. He emphasized that, “Science and education alone are not sufficient; culture and art must be brought to the forefront as remedies for humanity’s wounds.” He cited Iranian cinema and calligraphy as powerful cultural tools that can strengthen dialogue among nations and proposed initiatives for joint film productions and cultural festivals.
Ayoubi also called on governments to reduce visa barriers and promote cultural tourism to facilitate direct exchanges among intellectuals and cultural leaders. He stated, “Those who know each other are less likely to wage war,” highlighting the importance of cultural understanding in preventing conflict.
Iran’s active participation in the CHANDI summit, along with senior cultural officials and international partners, signifies the country’s commitment to cultural diplomacy and its ongoing efforts to showcase its historical, artistic, and touristic capacities. By engaging in such global dialogues, Iran aims to foster mutual respect and cooperation through shared cultural heritage.
In conclusion, the CHANDI 2025 summit serves as a pivotal platform for cultural exchange, emphasizing the role of culture and art in promoting peace and dialogue among nations. Ayoubi’s contributions and the agreements forged during this event reflect a collective commitment to harnessing the power of culture in addressing global challenges.
