Governing Bodies of the National Commission for UNESCO in Iran
The National Commission for UNESCO in Iran, chaired by the Minister of Science, Research and Technology, has three governing bodies under its Constitution:
Supreme Council
The Supreme Council is the highest decision-making authority of the National Commission for UNESCO in Iran. It is responsible for determining the Commission’s general policies, programmes and budget, and for overseeing its activities. The Council is chaired by the Minister of Science, Research and Technology.
The members of the Council are divided into two categories: ex officio members and appointed members. Ex officio members are individuals who serve on the Council by virtue of their official positions in the Government. Under the 14th Administration, these members include the Minister of Science, Research and Technology, who also chairs the Council; the Ministers of Foreign Affairs, Culture and Islamic Guidance, Education, and Cultural Heritage, Tourism and Handicrafts; the Vice President and Head of the Department of Environment; the Head of the Islamic Republic of Iran Broadcasting (IRIB); and the Secretary-General of the National Commission for UNESCO in Iran.
The appointed members are distinguished scientific and cultural figures of the country who are appointed to the Council by the Chair of the National Commission. In the current phase of the Commission’s activities, Dr. Hesamoddin Ashena, Dr. Zhaleh Amoozgar, Dr. Gholam-Ali Haddad-Adel, Hojjat al-Islam and al-Muslimin Dr. Rostami, Dr. Fatemeh Sadat Soltani Tabatabaei, Dr. Mohammad Javad Zarif, and Ayatollah Dr. Seyyed Mostafa Mohaghegh Damad have been appointed as appointed members of the Supreme Council.
This diverse composition of government officials and prominent scientific and cultural figures helps ensure comprehensive and effective decision-making in advancing UNESCO’s objectives in Iran.
Executive Council
The Executive Council, as one of the principal governing bodies of the National Commission for UNESCO in Iran, serves as the operational arm of the institution and plays a key role in policymaking, coordination and programme implementation. The Council is responsible for putting the decisions of the Supreme Council into practice and overseeing the performance of the Secretariat.
The members of the Executive Council comprise representatives of the country’s highest scientific, cultural and educational institutions. Its composition includes the Chair of the National Commission for UNESCO, namely the Minister of Science, Research and Technology; the Secretary-General of the National Commission for UNESCO in Iran; plenipotentiary representatives of the Minister of Culture and Islamic Guidance, the Minister of Education, and the Islamic Republic of Iran Broadcasting (IRIB); as well as other representatives of relevant ministries and organisations.
The Council carries out a range of key and strategic functions aimed at translating the Commission’s objectives into effective operational programmes. Its principal responsibilities include coordinating with the Government on the planning and implementation of UNESCO activities at the national, regional and international levels; following up on the implementation of UNESCO decisions and recommendations; and presenting and pursuing Iran’s views and proposals in international forums.
The Executive Council is also responsible for overseeing the proper implementation of the decisions of the Supreme Council, submitting proposed programmes and budgets to the Supreme Council, and approving the terms of reference of the specialised committees. Through continuous cooperation with the Secretariat, the Council serves as the link between policymaking and implementation, helping to realise the Commission’s overarching objectives at both the national and international levels.
Secretariat
The Secretariat is, in essence, the beating heart and executive arm of the National Commission for UNESCO in Iran, playing a central role in translating overarching policies into practical action. It is responsible for the day-to-day management and operational implementation of all programmes and activities and serves as the principal link between the Government and domestic institutions, both governmental and non-governmental, on the one hand, and UNESCO, its regional offices and the National Commissions of other countries, on the other.
One of the Secretariat’s key missions is to provide an advisory function. It offers valuable advisory services to the Government, organisations and relevant institutions in UNESCO’s fields of work, helping them to determine how best to participate in UNESCO activities and programmes. Alongside this, its information and communication role is of great importance. The Secretariat is responsible for introducing UNESCO’s objectives, strategies, programmes and publications at the national level, collecting relevant national statistics and data, and translating and publishing important UNESCO documents in Persian. As a coordinator, the Secretariat is also responsible for making the necessary arrangements for the implementation of UNESCO programmes in the country and for facilitating the participation of officials, institutions and individuals in international gatherings and meetings.
The principal mission of the National Commission in the country is to identify gaps, focus on national and global priority and crisis areas, and avoid peripheral activities. Its ultimate objective is to develop the country’s capabilities and capacities in the fields of education, sciences, culture, and communication and information, based on international standards and national principles. By strengthening the link between research and policymaking, identifying successful policies, developing institutional and human capacities, and raising public awareness of global issues, the National Commission contributes to the advancement of its objectives.
Introduction to the Secretariat
Office of the President and Secretary-General
As the central hub for decision-making and coordination, this office plays a strategic role in directing and guiding the activities of the Commission. By organising and fostering synergy among the deputies and specialised departments, it provides the basis for organisational coherence and facilitates the coordinated and effective implementation of the Commission’s programmes.
The management of this office is directly under the responsibility of the Secretary-General of the National Commission for UNESCO in Iran. The Secretary-General, while allocating assigned duties and responsibilities among the various departments, continuously oversees their proper implementation and, through a programme-oriented approach, formulates the strategies and operational policies required to advance the Commission’s current and future activities. In this way, the Office of the President and Secretary-General not only manages and directs affairs at the administrative level, but also, by assuming a guiding and leadership role, ensures the achievement of the Commission’s objectives at the national and international levels.
Specialised Sections
These sections are structured around the five main fields of UNESCO’s activities: the Education Group, Natural Sciences Group, Social and Human Sciences Group, Culture Group, and Communication and Information Group. To advance UNESCO’s activities in the country, the programme sections have specialised national committees whose members comprise leading national experts in various fields of specialisation.
- Each specialised group or department of the Commission has specialised committees composed of representatives of relevant government institutions and organisations, as well as academics and experts. Communication between these committees and UNESCO and its affiliated institutions is conducted through the Secretariat of the National Commission.
- Members of the specialised committees are appointed for a two-year term upon the proposal of the Secretary-General and by decree of the Minister of Science, Research and Technology.
- The head of each specialised group or department of the Commission participates in the relevant specialised committees as the Secretary and representative of the National Commission, with voting rights.
- Each specialised committee develops its terms of reference and submits them to the Executive Council of the Commission for approval.
Support Section
This section comprises financial and administrative affairs, the Information Technology Unit, and procurement.
Service Section
This section comprises the Library and Documentation Centre, Publications, and Public Relations.