Visit by Representatives of the Iranian National Commission for UNESCO and United Nations Agencies to Isfahan Science and Technology Town

Lidia Brito, Director of the UNESCO Tehran Office, described UNESCO’s role as a bridge connecting knowledge-based companies with global markets and emphasized that sanctions would not be an obstacle to expanding cooperation.

Meanwhile, Farrokh Toyirov, the newly appointed FAO Representative in Iran, said at the meeting: “I am currently familiarizing myself with Iran’s agricultural capacities, and I have been deeply impressed by the achievements of Iranian experts at Isfahan Science and Technology Town.”

He added: “We plan to work with Iran’s Ministry of Agriculture to transfer these achievements to small-scale farmers across the country, helping improve farmers’ livelihoods and agricultural activities in remote areas.”

The representative of the United Nations Development Program (UNDP) also introduced projects related to the activities of companies based at the Town.

Subsequently, a message from Dr. Hassan Fartousi, Secretary-General of the Iranian National Commission for UNESCO, was read by Sahar Ahmadizadeh, Head of the Natural Sciences Department of the Commission.

Dr. Fartousi’s message stated: “Knowledge-based companies are recognized as driving forces of innovation, technological development and sustainable economic growth. By harnessing knowledge and modern technologies, these companies transform countries’ industrial and economic development pathways and create new employment opportunities. However, one of the key challenges they face is entering international markets and expanding their activities beyond national borders. In this regard, international organizations such as UNESCO play a crucial and decisive role.

“As the specialized agency of the United Nations in the fields of education, science and culture, UNESCO has, over the years, helped strengthen scientific and technological capacities in various countries. One of its key missions is to build bridges among scientific, educational and technological institutions worldwide.”

In his message, Dr. Fartousi outlined the Iranian National Commission for UNESCO’s readiness to:

• Facilitate multilateral cooperation by coordinating among government bodies, universities, research centres and knowledge-based companies.
• Inform knowledge-based companies about UNESCO’s programs and opportunities in science and technology, helping them benefit from international support and networks.
• Lay the groundwork for joint international scientific and technological projects involving knowledge-based companies, and help secure financial and technical support from UNESCO and other relevant organizations.
• Follow up on policies and establish the necessary national mechanisms to foster a culture of innovation and support technological activities in coordination with international organizations.

The meeting was also attended by Peymaneh Pourhadi, Head of the Education Department of the Iranian National Commission for UNESCO. Participants introduced Isfahan Science and Technology Town, the UNESCO-affiliated Regional Centre for the Development of Science Parks and Technology Incubators, and the support programs of United Nations agencies. Several companies based at the Town also presented their capabilities.

Recognizing the considerable capabilities of the knowledge-based and technology-driven companies based at the Town, representatives of the aforementioned international agencies emphasized the need to continue such meetings to gain a deeper and more comprehensive understanding of these capacities and explore ways to expand joint cooperation with the Town.

Isfahan Science and Technology Town is home to approximately 800 knowledge-based and technology-driven companies, making it the largest concentration of such companies in Iran. The UNESCO-affiliated Regional Centre for the Development of Science Parks and Technology Incubators is also based at the Town.