Rasht Municipality, UNESCO Commission Sign MoU

Rasht, Gilan Prov. Aug 18, IRNA - Rasht Municipality and the Iranian National Commission for UNESCO signed an MoU to compile scientific, educational and cultural indices for urban sustainable development. The Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed by the Secretary-General of the Iranian National Commission for UNESCO Mohammad Reza Saeedabadi and Rasht Mayor Mohammad Ebrahim Khalili on Sunday. Based on the MoU, both sides will promote mutual cooperation and optimize Rasht’s potentials. The MoU seeks to address the urban needs and help shape a sustainable city. It also intends to disseminate scientific and research information, hold joint workshops within the framework of urban management laws and find administrative ways of materializing sustainable development of Rasht. The Iranian National Commission is committed to support the implementation of urban development plans within the framework of UNESCO. Saeedabadi said the organization seeks to help revive Anzali Wetland in the northern province of Gilan. “The pollution of Anzali Wetland is worrisome,” he said. Saeedabadi announced that UNESCO has prepared the ground for the cooperation of all international organizations to revive Anzali Wetland in cooperation with Gilan’s Department of Environment. “Gilan’s nature is a God-given gift that should be preserved,” he said. The UNESCO representative noted that countries could boost ties through cultural interactions. “Iran could enhance ties with the world via luminaries such as Hafez and Sa’di,” he said. Saeedabadi referred to luminaries such as Professor Majid Samiei and Ayatollah Mohammad Taqi Bahjat as cultural assets of Gilan province. Iran has 12 UNESCO Chairs through which it can communicate with academics worldwide. “The tangible and intangible heritages of Gilan province should be registered on UNESCO’s World Heritage List,” he said. Saeedabadi also said the effective implementation of UNESCO’s Silk Road Plan could help introduce Gilan province more than in the past.