Inauguration of the Secretariat of the Committee for Public Participation and Social Responsibility of Asian Cities in Arak

Dr. Hasan Fartousi, Secretary-General of the Iranian National Commission for UNESCO, arrived in Arak on 29 April 2025 for a one-day visit, at the invitation of the Arak Municipality, to attend the official inauguration ceremony of the Secretariat of the Committee for Public Participation and Social Responsibility of Asian Cities. Upon his arrival, he was officially welcomed by the Deputy Governor for Political and Security Affairs, the Mayor of Arak, the Director-General of Cultural Heritage, Tourism and Handicrafts of Markazi Province, and a number of city and provincial officials.

At the beginning of his meeting with provincial and city officials in Arak, the Secretary-General of the Iranian National Commission for UNESCO highlighted the city’s rich history and prominent position in cultural and historical heritage and among national figures, emphasizing the region’s linguistic and cultural capacities. He stated that Arak is among the regions with a rich historical and cultural background in the field of linguistics, and that the people of this land have lived in an environment where linguistic issues have always received attention. He also emphasized the importance UNESCO attaches to endangered languages and the need to examine their linguistic, anthropological and philological roots in greater depth. This issue was welcomed by the Arak officials.

The following morning, Fartousi visited the memorial site of the Unknown Martyrs and the Martyrs of National Security and Health. He paid tribute to the martyrs by laying flowers at their graves and commemorating their memory.

At the ceremony, he said: “Thanks to the sacrifices and selflessness of the martyrs, the Islamic Republic of Iran is on a path towards dynamism, dignity, stability and security, and above all, we owe this dignity and security to the martyrs and their dedication. He added: The legacy of the martyrs’ lives must not be forgotten. They made sacrifices so that we could develop and prosper the land they defended with their lives and have the opportunity to serve.

The Secretary-General of the Iranian National Commission for UNESCO also expressed hope that, through the blessings of the prayers and pure spirits of the martyrs, we would be able to bring peace to Iran, so that, in an environment of peace, the talents of our young people could increasingly flourish and reach their full potential.

The Mayor of Arak also stated at the ceremony: “The city of Arak has offered many martyrs to the country and the Revolution, most of whom were young people from this land.” He added: “The Arak Municipality has organized various programmes to commemorate the memory and legacy of the martyrs, and this path continues.”

Official Inauguration of the Secretariat of the Committee for Public Participation and Social Responsibility

In his speech at the official inauguration ceremony of the Secretariat of the Committee for Public Participation and Social Responsibility, held at the Arak City Cultural Centre in the presence of provincial officials and authorities from Markazi Province, city officials and members of the media, the Secretary-General of the Iranian National Commission for UNESCO thanked the provincial and city authorities of Arak for hosting the event and stated: “This inauguration can mark a new beginning for cooperation and synergies among Asian cities. This initiative will not only help strengthen social and cultural relations at the regional level, but will also provide an opportunity to improve international relations.”

Arak’s Strategic Position: Key to Advancing Regional and Asian Objectives

He also noted that the city of Arak had previously been recognized as one of UNESCO’s Learning Cities, but was removed from the network during a period due to insufficient attention from some officials. Referring to the city’s strategic position and distinctive characteristics, Dr. Fartousi added: “With its numerous educational and cultural capacities, the city of Arak and Markazi Province can serve as a model for other Asian cities. This model is rooted in Arak’s long-standing history, which has, since ancient times, been influenced by governmental bureaucracy, as well as the Siāq script and language. This rich history, which stems from the efforts and dedication of our ancestors, must also remain in the minds of today’s young people. Therefore, Arak and Markazi Province not only have the potential to be recognized as a Child-Friendly City, but can also be recognized as an Age-Friendly City.”

The Arak Secretariat of the Committee for Public Participation: A Major Step towards Strengthening International Interactions

Dr. Alireza Mahmoudi, Mayor of Arak, referring to Arak’s distinctive capacities in the areas of social and public responsibility, stated at the ceremony: “Arak holds a distinguished position and standing in this field, and for this reason, we are proud that the Secretariat of the Committee for Public Participation and Social Responsibility of Asian Cities has been entrusted to this city.” He continued: “We hope that, through international cooperation in this field, Arak will be able to demonstrate a distinguished profile at the Asian level in this area.”

At the inauguration ceremony of the Secretariat of the Committee for Public Participation and Social Responsibility of Asian Cities, Mahmoudi also emphasized the spiritual significance of the project. He stated: “The inauguration of this Secretariat goes beyond its physical and material aspects. Its objective is to introduce the spiritual and hidden dimensions of the city that have so far been overlooked at the national level.” Mahmoudi added that the Arak Municipality has assumed responsibility for this undertaking and expressed hope that this opportunity would be used to showcase the historical and scientific dimensions of Arak to the public.

Dr. Mehdi Zandieh-Vakili, Governor-General of Markazi Province, also noted in his speech that the establishment of the Secretariat of the Committee for Public Participation in Arak represents a major step towards strengthening international interactions and exchanging successful experiences in the social and cultural spheres. He also emphasized the need to pay greater attention to social responsibility as part of efforts towards sustainable development and improving people’s living conditions across Asian cities.

According to Zandieh-Vakili, the Secretariat of the Committee for Public Participation and Social Responsibility of Asian Cities seeks to draw on the successful experiences of other countries and cities to promote public participation in matters concerning the city of Arak. He emphasized: “The establishment of this Secretariat in Arak is a major step towards fostering two-way interaction between the public and productive institutions and, through promotional and incentive mechanisms, will strengthen a culture of public demand and participation.”

The Effective Role of the Secretary of the Committee for Public Participation in Information Exchange and Strengthening Cultural Diplomacy

Dr. Mehdi Fallahi-Panah, Director of the Committees of the Asian Mayors Forum, emphasized the importance of multilateral cooperation among Asian cities in his speech, stating: “The purpose of selecting Arak as the Secretariat of the Committee for Public Participation and Social Responsibility is to enable the city to play a central role in expanding relations and sharing experiences at the international level.” He added: “Today, cities are recognized as international institutions, and their presence in global forums is essential. The inauguration of this Secretariat has been undertaken with the aim of strengthening cultural diplomacy.”

Fallahi-Panah also highlighted the important role of city diplomacy and the assumption of international responsibilities by Iranian cities, stating that through the establishment of global relations and multiple memoranda of understanding, it would be possible to promote urban development initiatives and advance the objectives of the Forum. He concluded by emphasizing that all of Arak’s capacities would be utilized to advance the objectives of the Forum.

During the ceremony, Mr. Mohammad Asgari, Chairman of the Arak City Council, described the selection of Arak as a designated platform for establishing the Secretariat of the Committee for Public Participation as a positive development that could create an opportunity to address environmental, cultural and social issues and foster public interaction.

Programs including traditional storytelling, traditional music performances and an exhibition of handicrafts were among the other parts of the ceremony, which were warmly welcomed by those in attendance. These programmes effectively demonstrated the link between culture, art and social responsibility at the international level and emphasized that each of these elements plays a fundamental role in advancing sustainable development and social cohesion.

Cultural and Artistic Programs of the Inauguration

At the inauguration ceremony of the Secretariat of the Committee for Public Participation and Social Responsibility of Asian Cities, programs including traditional music performances, an exhibition of handicrafts, and artistic performances by students focusing on cultural heritage were held and warmly welcomed by those in attendance. These programs demonstrated the connection between culture, art and social responsibility at the international level and emphasized that each of these elements plays a fundamental role in advancing sustainable development and social cohesion.

Unveiling Ceremony of the Arak Memorial

Finally, the unveiling ceremony of the Arak Memorial was held in the presence of officials, who signed the memorial as part of the official inauguration of the Secretariat.

Visit to the Traditional Covered Bazaar

The officials then visited the traditional covered bazaar, which comprises 20 caravanserais. With its eight intersecting caravanserais, the bazaar reflects its distinctive history and architecture. During the visit, Dr. Fartousi emphasized the need to preserve historical monuments and stated that joining the international sphere requires commitment and preparedness. He added: “Arak and its respected Mayor have the necessary motivation to achieve this objective, and the City Council also supports it. The presence of young artists can also play an effective role in preserving these monuments.”

Emphasis on Cultural Heritage Preservation

Fartousi concluded by stating that this bazaar, as a historical and cultural site, should, with the support of the city’s prominent figures, meet international standards and be passed on to future generations as part of humanity’s heritage.

At the end of the ceremony, participants visited the historic Chahar Fasl Bathhouse, one of the most prominent Qajar-era buildings in central Iran. Following its restoration, the building was converted into an anthropology museum and serves as a living symbol of the region’s rich architectural and cultural heritage, providing an appropriate setting for dialogue on the protection of heritage against damage and crises. The visit provided another opportunity to emphasize the need to preserve cultural heritage as part of the social responsibilities of cities, which can also play a key role in international interactions.

The inauguration of the Secretariat of the Committee for Public Participation and Social Responsibility of Asian Cities in Arak was an effective step towards strengthening cultural and social relations among Asian cities. The ceremony, featuring impactful speeches by officials and various visits to Arak’s historical and cultural sites, provided an opportunity to expand cooperation and exchange experiences. At the conclusion of the ceremony, Arak once again demonstrated its position as one of the leading cities in social responsibility and public participation at the Asian level.