Tehran unveils three SCO initiatives, calls for wartime protection of universities
Iranian Science, Research and Technology Minister Hossein Simaei Sarraf on Wednesday proposed three major initiatives to expand academic, research and technological cooperation among members of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO), while urging stronger international protection for universities and scientists during conflicts.
Speaking at the SCO University Presidents Forum and the 10th Meeting of SCO Ministers of Education and Science in Minsk on June 17, Simaei Sarraf said scientific cooperation should move beyond declarations and evolve into practical, problem-oriented programs capable of addressing shared regional challenges, IRNA reported.
The minister also condemned attacks on universities and scientists, describing academic and cultural institutions as a red line in times of conflict.
“Universities should be safe havens for thought, dialogue and hope, not victims of confrontation,” he said, calling on the global scientific community and international organizations to take a clearer and more responsible stance in safeguarding universities, researchers and scientific centers.
“Security for universities is security for humanity’s future,” he added, warning that silence in the face of attacks on academic institutions could encourage further violence against science and civilization.
Turning to Iran’s proposals, Simaei Sarraf announced a Shanghai Talent and Researcher Exchange Program, under which Iran is prepared to offer 100 annual scholarships for master's and doctoral students as well as 10 postdoctoral research opportunities at its leading universities. The program would focus on joint research addressing real-world challenges across the region.
He also proposed the creation of a Shanghai Network of Innovative and Technological Universities, linking leading universities and science and technology parks to accelerate commercialization of research and strengthen university-industry cooperation. Iran expressed readiness to host the network’s secretariat.
As a third initiative, the minister called for the establishment of joint research consortia in three strategic fields: Intelligent natural resource management, particularly water resources, artificial intelligence, and advanced pharmaceutical technologies.
The minister said the true value of science lies in improving people's lives and solving societal problems, stressing that agreements and policy documents become meaningful only when translated into action in classrooms, laboratories and research centers.
“Universities are not merely educational institutions,” he said. “They must serve as standard-bearers of rationality, entrepreneurship, hope and international scientific cooperation.”
The SCO education and science ministers' meeting continues in Minsk through Thursday, focusing on expanding multilateral cooperation in education, research and technology across the region.