Expanding Cooperation between the Iranian National Commission for UNESCO and the National Library and Archives of Iran

During the meeting, which was attended by a number of officials from the Iranian National Commission for UNESCO and the Director General of the Department of Presidential Affairs, Public Relations and International Affairs of the National Library and Archives of Iran, Dr Hasan Fartousi, Secretary-General of the Iranian National Commission for UNESCO, and Dr Gholamreza Amir-Khani, President of the Organization, held discussions aimed at strengthening the country’s cultural and scientific cooperation at the international level.

At the meeting, held on 13 January 2025, Dr.Hasan Fartousi, Secretary-General of the Iranian National Commission for UNESCO, referring to the important role of the National Library in promoting Iran’s culture and history, stated: “The National Library, as a legal entity with institution-building functions, plays a central role in fostering culture and preserving the country’s cultural heritage.” He continued: “We seek greater cooperation with and support for this institution so that we can make use of its capacities in pursuit of our shared objectives.”

Referring to UNESCO’s 75-year history, Fartousi outlined the challenges facing the region and stated: “The imbalance among the committees of the National Commission for UNESCO, particularly in the fields of education and artificial intelligence, is one of our main challenges. To address this issue, the committees need to be managed in a manner that enables them to continue their activities independently of changes in management and to have a greater impact at the international level.”

Regarding UNESCO Chairs in Iran, the Secretary-General of the National Commission for UNESCO stated: “A mechanism has been envisaged whereby, in addition to universities based in Tehran, universities in other cities can also, through an encouraging approach, host UNESCO Chairs in Iran by implementing educational, scientific and cultural projects.”

He further emphasized the National Commission’s inherent role in facilitating and coordinating affairs among institutions and said: “It is possible to realize the idea of consensus at the national level and, subsequently, the idea of peace at the global level. Part of the responsibility for putting this important objective into practice lies with the National Library, with the support of the Iranian National Commission for UNESCO.”

Preserving the Past, Investing in the Cultural and Scientific Future

Continuing the discussion, Dr Gholamreza Amir-Khani emphasized the importance of the Memory of the World Program and stated: “The National Library has consistently cooperated with the National Commission for UNESCO in registering historical works and documents.” He added: “As one of the most important priorities of the National Commission for UNESCO, the Memory of the World Program requires broader international cooperation so that, through this process, the cultural, scientific and historical heritage of Iran can be safeguarded and preserved for future generations.”