"IRIS one the most Successful Category II Centers of UNESCO in Iran", UNESCO National Commission Secretary General

The Secretary-General of the Iranian National Commission for UNESCO stated that the IRIS Center is one of the most successful UNESCO centers. Highlighting the center’s outstanding performance, the Secretary-General suggested the possibility of elevating its status from a regional to an international center.

A meeting was held at the Abbasi Hotel in Isfahan, with the attendance of Isfahan Governor General, Dr. Mehdi Jamali Nejad; Secretary-General of Iran’s National Commission for UNESCO, Dr. Hassan Fartosi; and heads of provincial organizations and universities. The gathering highlighted the activities and mission of the IRIS Center, Isfahan's sole UNESCO Category 2 Centre for the development of science and technology parks and incubators. A comprehensive report on the center's achievements was also presented.

Isfahan Governor General, Dr. Jamali Nejad, acknowledging the IRIS Center's long-standing operations and successes, emphasized the immense potential across various sectors of the province, which can be harnessed through collaboration with the National Commission for UNESCO.

At the meeting, in addition to a presentation by the IRIS representative outlining the center's overall performance, Dr. Mehdi Abtahi, President of Isfahan Science and Technology Town and the host organization of the IRIS Center, presented challenges, issues, and recommendations related to the center.

The Secretary-General of the Iranian National Commission for UNESCO stated that the commission supports various sectors of Isfahan Province in gaining international recognition.

Hassan Fartosi emphasized that, from UNESCO's perspective, Isfahan is brimming with potential, and the IRIS Center, a dynamic and successful UNESCO center, is located in this city. While emphasizing on the importance of adhering to international standards to enable UNESCO to provide meaningful support, he noted that some of the province's capacities are already active, others require support for development.

A Memorandum of Understanding was subsequently signed between the Isfahan Provincial Government and the National Commission for UNESCO.