Holding the First Session of the Committee of the International Congress on overcoming Scientific Apartheid

First Session of the International Committee of the Congress

In line with the grand organization of the International Congress on Combating Scientific Apartheid and to ensure comprehensive planning while leveraging global scientific capacities—particularly in the international domain—a specialized preparatory meeting was held on May 27, 2024, at the Strategic Research Institute of the Expediency Discernment Council.

The session was attended by Dr. Pakatchi, Iran’s representative to UNESCO, several officials from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, international deputies of universities, and key members of the Congress. During this meeting, the International Committee of the Congress was officially established under the chairmanship of Prof. Dr. Mohammad Reza Majidi, President of the Research Institute, marking the beginning of its activities.

At the outset, Prof. Dr. Abolghasemi, President of the Congress, emphasized the manifestations of scientific apartheid faced by several countries, including Iran, and underscored the necessity of confronting it through such a congress. Subsequently, Dr. Pakatchi delivered an extensive presentation on UNESCO’s role in promoting justice in science and knowledge, advocating for equality among all nations in education, research, and industry-community linkages. He also expressed readiness to mobilize the capacities of UNESCO member states, particularly BRICS countries, to support the Congress.

The participants enthusiastically expressed their commitment to active collaboration and provided essential suggestions and strategies to ensure the Congress’s resounding success. In conclusion, Prof. Dr. Majidi summarized the discussions, and it was decided that subsequent meetings would be held at the University of Tehran and Shahid Beheshti University.