Intellectual diplomacy of Nowruz
Building Bridges for Peace and Prosperity
By Majid Afshani
Director of International Department at the Governance and Policy Think Tank
More than 300 million people around the world celebrate the first day of spring as Nowruz every year and this celebration has been alive for over 3000 years. Traditions, ceremonies, and cultural events on this occasion are held from the Balkans to India, from Kazakhstan to southern Iran. But what does this ancient ritual have to do with diplomacy?
Nowruz has been inscribed in 2009 on the list of the intangible cultural heritage of humanity by UNESCO, and the United Nations has recognized March 21 as international day of Nowruz Day under a resolution adapted by general assembly on 2010.
The connection of this day with nature reminds us that we are all responsible for the Earth. Environmental crises are one of the major challenges of the 21st century, and their geopolitical consequences cannot be ignored. These cross-border crises, including climate change, greenhouse gas emissions, rising sea levels, and extreme weather events, require the participation of all and diplomatic solutions.
Diplomacy has been described as the art of persuading others and gaining their support. Diplomacy follows resolving conflicts between countries through means other than war. From this perspective, focusing on similarities, values, and common customs that make cooperation easier in the subconscious of nations takes precedence. The great lesson that Nowruz teaches us is the revival of relations after a cold and wintry period—a process that diplomacy always pursues. Just as families exchange old clothes for new ones during Nowruz and enjoy colorful and delicious sweets and dishes together, diplomats must also renew their approach and move towards collaboration to bring about a brighter future.
Another aspect of Nowruz is its emergence from the heart of a great civilization. A civilization that utilized its power for establishing security, peace, and prosperity during its glory days. The people of this great civilization have been hospitable and tolerant, preserving their cultural diversity. Three thousand years of history show that this civilization has been subjected to murder, plunder, and ignorance but has not sought revenge. Diplomacy in this ancient civilization was not hindered by religious or ethnic differences, as evidenced by the welcoming and honoring of foreigners at Persepolis. This illustrious past demonstrates that preserving and reviving the noble human values of this civilization is commendable, achievable, and valuable.
Modern civilization building is a global process achieved through the participation of all people in this vast geographic region and led by the intellectual elite. Therefore, the development of intellectual diplomacy alongside official diplomacy of nations can create and expand cultural power. A civilization’s cultural power can establish stability and peace or else conflicts between countries will never cease.
Intellectual Diplomacy focuses on the role of non-governmental actors such as think tanks, research centers, universities, foundations, charities, non-governmental organizations, technology companies, and knowledge-based organizations in shaping and implementing foreign policy. Academic collaborations aimed at increasing commonalities and reducing differences fall under intellectual diplomacy when conducted with purposeful programs. The serious gap in diplomacy, among the geographical area of Nowruz, is the neglect of serious, constructive, and unostentatious dialogues among non-official intellectuals. Monopolizing diplomacy in official institutions does not fully utilize the vast cultural and historical capacities and distances the peoples of an ancient civilization from each other.
The increasing engagement of universities, thinktanks, professors, and students holds the key to resolving conflicts and fostering greater peace and security. This mission rests on the shoulders of the intellectuals of this region who know history and are far-sighted and enlightened. They are the heirs of a unique civilization, symbolized by the venerable tradition of Nowruz. It is hoped that the experts of the Nowruz region will embrace this human duty and, with high resolve, break down the barriers erected by differences, so that once again, the world will pay homage to the civilization that created Nowruz and stand united in respect.