Meeting between the Minister of Cultural Heritage and the Secretary-General of the Iranian National Commission for UNESCO: Emphasis on the Need for Greater Coordination and a Stronger Commitment to Enhancing and Advancing the Country’s Cultural and Civilizational Heritage at the Regional and International Levels
Dr. Seyed Reza Salehi-Amiri, Minister of Cultural Heritage, Tourism and Handicrafts, paid a friendly visit to the Iranian National Commission for UNESCO, where he met and held discussions with Dr. Hassan Fartousi, Secretary-General of the Commission. |
The meeting was held on Saturday, 24 January 2026, at the Iranian National Commission for UNESCO. Dr. Hassan Fartousi welcomed the Minister of Cultural Heritage and presented an overview of the Commission’s mandates, programs, and ongoing activities.
Referring to the shared areas of responsibility of the Ministry of Cultural Heritage, Tourism and Handicrafts and the Iranian National Commission for UNESCO, Dr. Fartousi emphasized the importance of organizing interactions, strengthening joint cooperation, and fostering greater synergy between the two institutions. He also noted that Dr. Seyed Reza Salehi-Amiri’s membership, in his official capacity, on the Supreme Council of the Iranian National Commission for UNESCO provided a valuable platform for coordination and the advancement of shared objectives.
The meeting also addressed UNESCO’s international conventions and the need to give due attention to the commitments and obligations arising from them, particularly in the field of cultural heritage. Dr. Fartousi further emphasized the importance of reactivating national committees related to cultural heritage and drawing on their specialized expertise to advance UNESCO’s objectives.
Dr. Seyed Reza Salehi-Amiri, Minister of Cultural Heritage, Tourism and Handicrafts, underscored the important role of the Iranian National Commission for UNESCO in advancing the country’s cultural diplomacy. He announced the Ministry’s full support for the Commission’s programs and activities and reaffirmed its readiness to expand cooperation in areas of mutual interest, particularly cultural heritage.
The Minister also commended the Iranian National Commission for UNESCO’s efforts and active, effective participation in the 43rd session of UNESCO’s General Conference in Samarkand, Uzbekistan. He described the adoption of the global resolution on the Cyrus Cylinder’s Human Rights Charter as a valuable achievement reflecting the grandeur of Iran’s culture and civilization.
Other issues discussed included the revitalization of national committees related to cultural heritage, the Memory of the World Committee, and the valuable cooperation between the Ministry of Cultural Heritage, Tourism and Handicrafts and the Iranian National Commission for UNESCO.
At the conclusion of the extensive meeting, both sides emphasized the importance of coordination and a firm commitment to advancing the country’s broader objectives in cultural heritage and related areas within the framework of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO).
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