TEHRAN – Vice President for Science, Technology, and Knowledge-based Economy, Rouhollah Dehqani-Firouzabadi, condemning unilateral coercive measures against Iran's knowledge-based and scientific companies, announced Iran's readiness for scientific and technological cooperation with other countries to make a better world.

Referring to the significant role of knowledge and innovation and their tremendous impact on the progress of nations, Firouzabadi said Iran's civilization has honored knowledge throughout history.

“Our ancient teachings and the contributions we have made to the advancement of science and technology is a proof of that saying.”

He made the remarks at the 15th session of the United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC) Social Forum held from November 2 – 3, in Geneva, IRIB reported.

Iran's developments in the field of science and technology, improving people's welfare by using science and technology capacities, Iran's strategies in dealing with the coronavirus, Iran's technological solutions to improve the health of society, technological employment and solving social problems with soft technologies were among the most important topics of Firouzabadi's speech.

“Since the establishment of the United Nations, Iran has remained committed to multilateral cooperation, including global cooperation through the United Nations.

“We are keen to engage with the international community and share our research with them while benefiting from the best practices, developments, and achievements of other countries in the fields of science, technology, and innovation,” IRIB quotes Firouzabadi as saying.

The innovation ecosystem and knowledge-based companies in Iran are a testimony of the sustainable potential of our youth and the pivotal role of women in management levels, he said.

He went on to say that knowledge-based companies play a key role in developing new technologies and solutions to face today's challenges, they have a profound impact on the preservation of basic human rights such as the right to life, health, work and development, and at the same time they deal with inequalities, poverty and unemployment in society.

“Despite unilateral economic sanctions and challenges in accessing coronavirus vaccines and related medical equipment, Iran has achieved an impressive 76 percent vaccination rate among its population against COVID-19,” Firouzabadi added.

Iran's active participation in international cooperation and sharing knowledge and initiatives to strengthen the global response to this epidemic, especially in developing and less developed countries, demonstrate its unwavering commitment to promoting human rights and improving the well-being of communities around the world.

Also, Iranian knowledge-based companies are actively involved in environmental initiatives and work tirelessly to mitigate climate change and maintain sustainable prosperity. Their dedication and participation in these fields deserve international recognition and support.

Calling unilateral coercive measures against Iran's knowledge-based companies, innovation, and scientific development disappointing, Firouzabadi highlighted, “These measures not only violate the human rights of every Iranian but also severely hinder progress and international cooperation in crisis situations.

We call for an end to such actions to realize human rights and improve global scientific progress.”

“We all have the responsibility to work towards a better world for everyone.  Using knowledge, science, and technology in a collaborative and inclusive way, we can create a better world and future. Let's make it brighter for everyone,” he pointed out.

On the sidelines of the event, Firouzabadi also visited the European Organization for Nuclear Research (known as CERN), the world's largest particle physics laboratory, and met the director general of the Intellectual Property Organization, IRNA reported.
It should be noted that Ali Bahreini, Ambassador and Permanent Representative of the Islamic Republic of Iran to the United Nations, was selected as the Chairperson-Rapporteur of the Social Forum.

In this two-day forum, over 60 participants, including high-ranking officials, diplomats, and non-governmental organizations focused on the contribution of science, technology, and innovation to the promotion of human rights, including in the context of post-pandemic recovery, IRNA reported.

MT/MG