At a ceremony held on Saturday in Tehran to honor these achievers, Pezeshkian expressed appreciation for the medalists, their families, and the officials who supported them, president.ir reported.
He stated, “You must make every effort to elevate your capabilities to address the issues facing our country.”
He reflected on his own experiences as a student during the early years of the Islamic Revolution, noting that he prioritized acquiring knowledge over accepting political roles. “I always rejected offers for executive positions because I believed that entering politics without sufficient knowledge would hinder my growth,” he explained. “I wanted to achieve a level of expertise before entering the political arena.”
Pezeshkian reiterated the urgency of addressing healthcare disparities in Iran, recalling a time when patients would wait one to two years for appointments.
He stressed the need for equitable access to quality health services, stating, “It is our duty to provide all people in Iran with adequate health services.”
He urged the young scholars to internalize the responsibility of addressing public concerns and to contribute actively to the nation’s progress. “This country is ours to build, and it must be much better than it is today,” he declared.
He firmly rejected the idea of leaving Iran for opportunities elsewhere, asserting, “We need individuals who care about our problems and are willing to dedicate their lives to resolving them.”
In discussing the changing global educational landscape, Pezeshkian highlighted the necessity of teamwork among young scholars. “In today’s world, collaborative efforts yield success; individual endeavors in producing knowledge are no longer sufficient,” he noted.
He also mentioned the government’s readiness to appoint young talents as assistants to officials but expressed concern that such roles could distract them from their academic pursuits. “While we want you to be involved, I fear that participation in executive meetings may waste your valuable time,” he cautioned.
Iran’s Education Minister, Alireza Kazemi, also addressed the attendees, stating that the government is committed to resolving issues faced by talented students and enhancing Iran’s presence in international competitions.
He emphasized, “One of our major policies is to ensure educational equity, allowing no student’s talent to remain untapped due to a lack of resources.”
Pezeshkian implored the young medalists to utilize their knowledge to address national issues, assuring them that their efforts could lead to lasting recognition. “Iran is counting on your endeavors; with determination and effort, we can solve the problems facing our country,” he affirmed.