UNESCO joins Tehran University in celebration of 6th International Festival

On the occasion of the law enactment anniversary of the establishment of Tehran University, UNESCO joined the University in celebrating its 6th International Festival, AVA Diplomatic reports.

The Festival with the motto “University: A Rainbow of Cultures” brought together Iranian and international lecturers, international student representatives, university authorities, ambassadors, and other dignitaries.

International students showcased their cultures in a dedicated exhibition space and through musical and artistic performances.

Ms. Esther Kuisch Laroche, Director and Representative of the UNESCO Tehran Cluster Office was invited as the guest of honor and delivered a speech on the importance of internationalization of higher education.

She mentioned that UNESCO fosters international cooperation in the higher education sector through its UNITWIN/UNESCO Chairs Programme: “Currently, there are 11 UNESCO Chairs in Iran, five of which are at the University of Tehran”, said Ms. Kuisch Laroche.

She went on to say: “We are very proud and appreciative of our close collaboration with Tehran University. Just a few months ago, we signed a joint Memorandum of Understanding together with the Ministry of Energy for the establishment of a regional water education institute. I believe this will become yet another important example of the significant role that Tehran University can play – not only at the national, but also at the regional level.”

The programme featured musical performances by students from Iran, Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Indonesia, Kazakhstan, Lebanon, Palestine and other countries.

The President of Tehran University also paid tribute to students and professors with outstanding achievements.

The University of Tehran is Iran’s oldest modern university and was inaugurated in the winter of 1934. The academic staff of the University consists of 1,650 full-time faculty members and several hundred part-time and adjunct professors and affiliated members. Currently, the University has 19,000 undergraduate and 13,000 graduate students spread over 6 colleges with a total of 39 faculties and 120 departments. Its 7 campuses are located in the cities of Tehran, Qom and Karaj as well as on Kish Island.