Introduction to the National Commission for UNESCO in Iran
The UNESCO Constitution
UNESCO is the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization. It seeks to build peace through international cooperation in the fields of education, science and culture. UNESCO’s programs also contribute to and support the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals, as defined and elaborated by the United Nations General Assembly.
UNESCO Offices
The official national and regional UNESCO offices are as follows
National Office
National UNESCO offices are the Organization’s representations in a specific country and are primarily responsible for coordinating, implementing and following up on UNESCO’s programmes and activities in that country. These offices serve as a link between the Government, the National Commission for UNESCO, national scientific, educational and cultural institutions, and the UNESCO Secretariat.
Their responsibilities include supporting the implementation of UNESCO programs in the fields of education, science, culture, communication and information; providing technical advice to national authorities; facilitating the country’s participation in UNESCO’s international programmes; and monitoring the implementation of projects supported by the Organization.
In countries with a national office, these offices play a central role in coordinating UNESCO’s cooperation with national institutions.
Regional Office
UNESCO Regional Offices are responsible for covering and coordinating the Organization’s activities across several countries within a specific geographical region. In addition to implementing UNESCO programmes in the countries they cover, these offices are responsible for regional coordination, developing cross-border cooperation, facilitating the exchange of experiences among Member States, and providing technical and strategic support to national offices and governments.
Regional Offices often play a central role in designing and implementing regional initiatives, preparing specialized studies and reports, coordinating responses to common regional challenges, and representing UNESCO in regional forums and mechanisms. In many cases, countries without a national office receive UNESCO’s services and support through the relevant Regional Office.
The role of National Commission of UNESCO
The National Commission for UNESCO in Iran was established in 1948, following Iran’s admission to UNESCO and the approval of its membership by the then National Consultative Assembly. To define its objectives, responsibilities and governing bodies, the Commission drafted a thirteen-article Statute, which was approved by the Council of Ministers on 4 May 1949, following a proposal by the Minister of Culture.
Following the victory of the Islamic Revolution, the Statute was revised. The amended Statute, consisting of seventeen articles and four notes, was submitted to the Government by the Ministry of Culture and Higher Education after being approved by the Supreme Council of the Commission, and was approved on 20 September 1987.
Dr Hassan Fartousi is the Secretary-General of the National Commission for UNESCO in Iran.
Partner Institutions
1. Permanent Delegation of the Islamic Republic of Iran for UNESCO:
The Permanent Delegation of the Islamic Republic of Iran for UNESCO works to strengthen multilateral engagement and enhance the country’s position within UNESCO. Its activities include consultations and cooperation with the permanent delegations of other countries and the UNESCO Secretariat, as well as participation in specialized meetings.
The Permanent Delegation maintains close communication with the National Commission for UNESCO in Iran, the Ministry of Science, Research and Technology, and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to assess national conditions and priorities and to act in accordance with the country’s policies. At the same time, taking into account UNESCO’s priorities and programs, it engages in consultations with other countries and represents and defends the national interests and values of the Islamic Republic of Iran at the international level.
2. UNESCO Tehran Office:
The UNESCO Tehran Office began its activities as a National Office in 1996. Following the expansion of its activities, it was upgraded to a Cluster Office in 2003. At present, the Tehran Office once again operates as a National Office. The Office cooperates with the National Commission for UNESCO in Iran in the fields of education, science, culture, communication and information.