Second Round of Meetings with United Nations Agencies in Iran Hosted by Isfahan Science and Technology Town

Representatives of several United Nations agencies gathered at Isfahan Science and Technology Town (ISTT) for the second round of discussions aimed at expanding cooperation with the ISTT’s knowledge-based companies and strengthening links between Iranian innovators and international development organizations.

The meeting followed an initial round of discussions held during the International Horizon Event, organized as part of the 19^th Sheikh Bahaei National Technopreneurship Festival in May 2025. The first round brought together representatives of several UN agencies to explore the technological capabilities of ISTT-based companies and identify potential areas for future collaboration.

The second round focused on advancing these discussions and developing practical pathways for cooperation, particularly with UNESCO and the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO).

Speaking on the sidelines of the visit, Ying Serang, Head of the UNESCO Office in Tehran, said that the current meeting builds upon the outcomes of the first round of discussions held during the International Horizon Event at the 19^th Sheikh Bahaei National Technopreneurship Festival.

He noted that, during the initial meeting, the capabilities and potential of ISTT-based knowledge-intensive companies, supported by UNESCO Category II Center IRIS, were introduced to representatives of five UN agencies.

He added that representatives of UNESCO, FAO, and the United Nations Development Program (UNDP) participated in the second meeting, which also marked the introduction of FAO’s new representative in Iran. The discussions focused on identifying practical mechanisms for cooperation and facilitating the introduction of ISTT companies and their technological capabilities to international markets.

Serang described UNESCO as a bridge connecting innovative companies with global opportunities and emphasized that international sanctions should not prevent the development of constructive cooperation and knowledge exchange.

During the visit, Farukh Toirov, the newly appointed FAO Representative in Iran, highlighted his ongoing efforts to familiarize himself with Iran’s agricultural ecosystem and capacities.

“I have been greatly impressed by the achievements and technological capabilities of Iranian experts and innovators at Isfahan Science and Technology Town,” he said.

Toirov added that FAO plans to work closely with Iran’s Ministry of Agriculture to help transfer these technological achievements to smallholder farmers across the country, contributing to improved agricultural productivity and better living conditions in remote and underserved regions.

Expressing his appreciation for the hospitality of the people of Isfahan and ISTT officials, he reaffirmed his commitment to supporting initiatives that benefit local communities and sustainable development efforts in the region.

The meeting also featured presentations introducing ISTT, its innovation ecosystem, and support programs offered by various UN agencies. Several resident companies showcased their technologies and innovative solutions to the visiting delegation.

Representatives of the participating international organizations acknowledged the significant capabilities of ISTT’s knowledge-based and technology companies and emphasized the importance of continuing such engagements to gain deeper insight into these capacities and to expand opportunities for future collaboration.

With nearly 800 knowledge-based and technology companies, Isfahan Science and Technology Town is recognized as the largest concentration of knowledge-based enterprises in Iran. Over the years, ISTT has played a key role as a bridge between government, industry, and academia, supporting knowledge-driven economic development and the commercialization of research and innovation.