Message from the Mayors of Iran’s Learning Cities to UNESCO Following the Israeli Regime’s Recent Attacks on Urban and Educational Infrastructure
Eight mayors of Iran’s Learning Cities sent an official message to Ms. Stefania Giannini, UNESCO’s Assistant Director-General for Education, expressing deep concern over the devastating effects of the Israeli regime’s recent military attacks on Iranian cities. They called for the immediate support of this international organization to protect citizens and educational infrastructure and ensure the continuity of sustainable development in affected areas. The mayors emphasized that these actions violate the fundamental principles of the UNESCO Global Network of Learning Cities and called on the Organization to take urgent action to de-escalate tensions and ensure the security of urban communities. The full text of the message is as follows: |
To: Ms. Stefania Giannini
Assistant Director-General for Education, UNESCO
Dear Ms. Giannini,
We, the mayors of the Learning Cities of the Islamic Republic of Iran: Isfahan, Bandar Khamir, Kashan, Shiraz, Tehran, Hamedan, Mashhad and Mehestan, as committed members of the UNESCO Global Network of Learning Cities, dedicated to the principles of education, sustainable development and peaceful coexistence, wish to bring to your attention the profound challenges our cities have recently faced.
In line with UNESCO’s vision for Learning Cities—a concept that emphasizes lifelong learning, social cohesion and resilient communities—we have endeavoured to create inclusive, safe and sustainable environments for our citizens.
Regrettably, as a result of the recent imposed war initiated by the Israeli regime against Iran, our cities have been subjected to devastating attacks. Many innocent people have lost their lives, and our communities have suffered severe psychological, economic and social harm. These losses have had a profound impact on our urban infrastructure, disrupting essential social services, educational institutions, economic activities and environmental integrity.
The consequences of these attacks are being acutely felt across all sectors: social, educational, economic and environmental.
Our communities are now facing considerable difficulties in rebuilding and returning to normal conditions, a situation that stands in stark contrast to the ideals of peaceful coexistence and development promoted by UNESCO.
We believe that these painful events urgently underscore the need for international solidarity and support to protect our cities and ensure the safety and well-being of our citizens.
We strongly urge UNESCO to take immediate action to fulfil its mission of promoting peace in the region. We call for concrete measures to de-escalate tensions, protect civilian lives and ensure the continuation of sustainable development efforts.
We remain committed to the principles of the Learning Cities initiative and are determined to pursue the recovery, resilience and renewal of our communities. We call on UNESCO to provide us with further support in these efforts.
Respectfully,
Dr. Alireza Zakani, Mayor of Tehran
Dr. Ali Ghasemzadeh, Mayor of Isfahan
Dr. Abolfazl Sarouqian, Mayor of Kashan
Dr. Abdolrahman Ghavasi, Mayor of Bandar Khamir
Dr. Mohammad Hassan Asadi, Mayor of Shiraz
Dr. Ali Golrokhi, Mayor of Mehestan
Dr. Mohammadreza Ghalandar, Mayor of Mashhad
Mr. Seyed Masoud Hosseini, Mayor of Hamedan
