Secretary-General of the Iranian National Commission for UNESCO: Isfahan, with Its Unique Capacities, Is on the Path to Global Growth and Progress

Dr. Hasan Fartousi, Secretary-General of the Iranian National Commission for UNESCO, said during a meeting dedicated to the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding between the Iranian National Commission for UNESCO and Isfahan Governorate: “This Memorandum of Understanding is intended as a mechanism for coordination and synergy among various sectors and institutions in Isfahan Province and the Iranian National Commission for UNESCO.”

He added: “The National Commission for UNESCO is committed to providing the necessary standards and indicators, and, provided that these standards are met, international support will be made available for Isfahan’s activities.” He emphasized: “Isfahan has numerous capacities, some of which are already active, while others need further development and to be brought to fruition.”

He continued: “Through the efforts of the respected people and capable managers of this province, as well as Isfahan’s significant capacities, it is possible to achieve global growth and recognition.”

Fartousi noted: “Isfahan is the only city in Iran that has joined both the UNESCO Creative Cities Network and the UNESCO Global Network of Learning Cities. This membership represents an exceptional opportunity to play a leading role in the science and cultural diplomacy of the Islamic Republic of Iran at the global level.”

The Secretary-General of the Iranian National Commission for UNESCO emphasized: “The authorities and citizens of Isfahan have the capacity to make full use of the potential of this Creative and Learning City; a city rich in innovative activities and one that provides an environment for the talents of its citizens to flourish.”

He further noted: “It is expected that the urban authorities, particularly the municipality and the mayor, by supporting the existing capacities, will be able to showcase the benefits of this membership for Isfahan, the province and the country at the international level.”

Public and Urban Diplomacy: A Path towards Strengthening International Relations

Dr. Mehdi Jamalinejad, Governor-General of Isfahan Province, also emphasized: “Under the current difficult circumstances, public diplomacy, with a focus on people-to-people and cultural interactions, can play a key role in strengthening international relations.”

He added: “The Municipality of Isfahan is a member of nearly 18 international organizations, including ICCN and Metropolis. In addition, having 15 sister cities has significantly contributed to strengthening the city’s international and cultural relations.”

The Governor-General of Isfahan Province emphasized: “Our goal is to work with UNESCO to experience the benefits of urban development and the advancement of Isfahan Province.”

Referring to the positive relations between the province and the Iranian National Commission for UNESCO, he continued: “With a results-oriented approach, we seek to expand cooperation in areas such as the economy, science, healthcare, tourism and social affairs.”

Capacity of Isfahan in Health Tourism and Education

Jamalinejad stated that the proposed strategy focuses on consolidating past actions and planning to increase activities, adding: “In addition to handicrafts, Isfahan has significant capacities in health tourism and healthcare and can take effective steps in this area as well.”

It should be noted that one of the provisions of this Memorandum of Understanding was to attract and direct the provincial capacities of Isfahan Governorate in various scientific, educational and cultural fields related to UNESCO.

Three-Year Term for the Memorandum of Understanding with UNESCO

Under the Memorandum of Understanding concluded between the Iranian National Commission for UNESCO and Isfahan Governorate, the cooperation will be valid for three years.