Message from the Director of the UNESCO-Supervised Regional Centre in Isfahan to UNESCO’s Assistant Director-General for Natural Sciences on the Impact of the Recent War on Iran’s Scientific and Cultural Institutions

Dr. Lidia Brito

Dear Ms. Brito,

I am writing to you as the Director of the Regional Centre for Development of Science and Technology Parks and Business Incubators in Isfahan (IRIS), one of the UNESCO Category 2 Centres.

In light of the recent ceasefire following the military conflict against the Islamic Republic of Iran, I wish to express my deep concern and, at the same time, my hope that the international community, particularly UNESCO, will respond effectively and proactively to the lasting consequences of this conflict for our country’s scientific and cultural sectors.

Although the end of the military aggression against Iran has brought some measure of stability, the damage inflicted has been extensive and deeply concerning. A number of prominent Iranian scientists, including researchers affiliated with major research institutions and government scientific organizations, have lost their lives in targeted airstrikes. Research centres, technology incubators and innovation hubs have also sustained serious damage. These events have brought scientific progress and entrepreneurial activities to an immediate halt; endeavours that are vital not only to national development but also to our shared global goals.

The disruption of Iran’s knowledge-based economy and the destruction of research infrastructure directly undermine the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly Goal 4 (Quality Education), Goal 9 (Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure) and Goal 16 (Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions). Iran has played an active role in scientific advances, including in sustainable energy, medical innovation and climate science. The loss of infrastructure, research programs and human capital not only impedes national development but also seriously damages global scientific collaboration, which relies on synergy and the exchange of expertise.

We are deeply concerned that attacks on educational and scientific institutions and the targeting of scientists constitute clear violations of established principles of international law. The Charter of the United Nations obliges all States to refrain from the threat or use of force against the sovereignty and infrastructure of other countries. Furthermore, the Geneva Conventions, Security Council Resolution 2601 (2021) and UNESCO’s 2017 Recommendation on Science and Scientific Researchers all emphasize the need to protect civilians, including scientists and academics, and to safeguard educational and cultural institutions during times of crisis.

Unfortunately, these principles were not upheld during the recent conflict. Under such circumstances, UNESCO’s mission to “build peace in the minds of men and women” is more important than ever. Accordingly, we respectfully call upon the Organization to take the following measures:

• Reaffirm publicly the need to protect scientists, researchers and educational institutions in conflict zones, and explicitly condemn targeted acts of violence against them as incompatible with international law and UNESCO’s mandate.
• Support post-crisis investigations by facilitating expert assessments of the losses suffered by the academic community, particularly cases in which university professors and scientists have been targeted in acts that are manifestly terrorist in nature.
• Advocate for compliance with international law by all parties, emphasizing the need to safeguard academic freedom, the right to education and the cultural heritage of all peoples, even in times of crisis.

We also wish to emphasize the broader threat posed by these attacks to Iran’s UNESCO-inscribed World Heritage and the country’s tangible and intangible cultural heritage. With more than two decades of international recognition and thousands of nationally registered sites, Iran’s heritage represents a valuable part of our shared human history. As these treasures face risks arising from conflict, UNESCO’s vigilant presence and active support are essential to their protection.

The recent crisis has once again demonstrated how vulnerable humanity’s collective progress is to violence. If research centres can be targeted with impunity and scientists silenced by force, there is a risk that the world will come to accept the destruction of the foundations of sustainable development and peace as normal. We urge UNESCO to condemn such trends unequivocally and to take the lead in reaffirming the principles and norms that protect science, culture and transnational cooperation.

At the IRIS Regional Centre, we stand fully ready to work with UNESCO and its partners to assess the damage, share information and develop a knowledge- and innovation-based recovery strategy.

Respectfully,

Mohammad Javad Omidi

Director, Regional Centre for Development of Science and Technology Parks and Business Incubators in Isfahan (IRIS)

A UNESCO Category 2 Centre, Islamic Republic of Iran