Iran’s Spiritual, Cultural Power Is a Strategic Necessity for Defining National Identity

Hojjat al-Islam Mohammad-Mehdi Imanipour, President of the Islamic Culture and Relations Organization, and Dr. Payam Najafi, President of Islamic Azad University of Isfahan (Khorasgan), discussed current priorities and ongoing initiatives, emphasizing the importance of strengthening institutional ties.
Imanipour highlighted the organization’s Scientific and Cultural Affairs Department and its Office for Academic Cooperation, describing the initiative of international cultural dialogues—active for several years among scholars and universities—as a valuable platform for deepening relations.
He noted that Iran’s international challenges are multilayered and diverse, especially in areas such as human rights, women and family issues, and other critical topics requiring serious engagement.
Referring to two memorandums of understanding signed during his visit to Isfahan—with the provincial government and city municipality—Imanipour described these agreements as facilitators of academic collaboration in the region. “When people think of Iran, they often focus on its strategic military power,” he said. “But the articulation and representation of Iran’s spiritual and cultural strength is even more important.”
He added that neighboring countries and culturally aligned nations are a priority for Iran’s outreach, though all regions are considered in broader strategic layers.
Imanipour concluded by emphasizing the vast scope of the organization’s activities. “We must identify and cultivate points of connection,” he said. “Isfahan can become a scientific hub for the country. In this context, cultural attachés—who often serve as academic envoys—play a vital role.”
Before Imanipour’s remarks, Dr. Payam Najafi presented a report on the university’s achievements and capabilities, expressing strong commitment to contributing to scientific diplomacy and showcasing Iran’s intellectual and cultural strength.
The “Prophet of Mercy” International Poetry Festival was organized by the Islamic Culture and Relations Organization in collaboration with the Ibrahim Institute of Kuwait, the Isfahan Governorate, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Iranian Embassy in Kuwait, and Islamic Azad University of Isfahan (Khorasgan).
Out of 1,500 submitted poems in Persian and Arabic, twelve winners were awarded, and the full collection has been published in two volumes.