Tribute Ceremony for the Former Secretary-General and Introduction of the New Secretary-General of the Iranian National Commission for UNESCO
Director General of the Ministerial Affairs and Public Relations Office of the Ministry of Science, Research and Technology: Promoting Iranian culture and national identity at the international level is among the most important responsibilities of the Iranian National Commission for UNESCO; this is why the Commission is of such great importance and deserves particular attention.
An informal meeting to honor the former Secretary-General and introduce the new Secretary-General of the Iranian National Commission for UNESCO was held on Monday afternoon, 7 October 2024, at the Office of the Secretary-General of the National Commission, in the presence of Dr. Ahmadreza Khazri, Adviser to the Minister and Director General of the Ministerial Affairs and Public Relations Office of the Ministry of Science, Research and Technology.
At the meeting, Dr. Khazri expressed his appreciation for Dr. Matkan’s efforts during his tenure, emphasizing that his contributions during this period deserved recognition. He added: “I am conveying to him the sincere and cordial message of Dr. Simayi, Minister of Science, Research and Technology.”
Referring to the current sensitive circumstances in the region, the Minister’s Adviser expressed hope that UNESCO, with the support of its professors and members, would be able to take significant steps towards institutionalizing a culture of peace.
The University of Tehran professor and senior official at the Ministry of Science, Research and Technology then introduced Dr. Hassan Fartousi as the new Secretary-General of the Iranian National Commission for UNESCO, stating: “It is hoped that, in view of his capabilities, communication between researchers and policymakers at the international level will be strengthened effectively, and that UNESCO will achieve even greater success in fulfilling its mission, namely, building peace through international cooperation in the fields of education, science, culture and communication.”
At the meeting, Dr. Matkan presented a report on his two-year performance and congratulated Dr. Fartousi on his appointment.
Dr. Fartousi, in turn, expressed his appreciation for the organization of the meeting and expressed hope that, with the support of his colleagues at the National Commission and drawing on the points and experiences shared, he would be able to take new steps towards achieving lasting peace, introducing the rich culture of Iran, and facilitating the exchange of valuable international experiences.
At the end of the meeting, Dr. Khazri presented a letter of appreciation from the Minister of Science to the former Secretary-General and delivered the appointment decree to Dr. Fartousi.
It is worth noting that Hassan Fartousi holds a PhD in International Law from the University of Geneva, Switzerland, and is proficient in Arabic, English and French.
He has authored and translated numerous books and academic articles and has published commentaries in various media outlets. In 2023, his book, entitled “An Index of Trade in Cultural Goods in the Light of WTO and UNESCO Instruments, with a Framework of Hard Law and Soft Law”, was published in English in Geneva by Globethics Publications.
Dr. Fartousi’s academic record includes teaching at the World Trade Institute of the University of Bern, Switzerland, since 2019.
He has also taught various courses as a visiting professor at the Geneva School of Diplomacy and International Relations (GSD), including “Cultural Diplomacy and Peacebuilding” and “Trade Diplomacy and Peacebuilding”.
Among Dr. Fartousi’s other executive positions are Director of Culture and Communication at the regional office of the Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO); organizer of commemorations marking the Capitals of Islamic Culture in the Asian region; representative of civil society organizations active in cultural and legal fields at the United Nations and the Human Rights Council; Director of International Communications at the Institute for the Study of Islamic Revolution Culture; Director of International Communications at the Hajj and Pilgrimage Organization; Deputy for International Affairs of the Secretariat of the Union of Islamic Countries’ Legal and Judicial Institutions; and Adviser on Legal and International Affairs to the Ministry of Communications.
