The resolution, adopted at the 43rd UNESCO General Conference in Samarkand, describes the Cyrus Charter as “a foundational document in the history of human civilisation” and “the first written manifestation of the principles of freedom, justice, tolerance and respect for cultural diversity.”

Under the decision, UNESCO will integrate the charter’s teachings into its educational, cultural, and human-rights programs.

The adoption followed diplomatic efforts by Dr. Ahmad Pakatchi, Iran’s Ambassador and Permanent Delegate to UNESCO, and Dr. Hassan Fartousi, Secretary-General of Iran’s National Commission for UNESCO, with the support of Dr. Hossein Simaee, Minister of Science, Research and Technology.

Egypt, Iraq, Colombia, India, Nigeria, Algeria, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Kenya, Senegal, Armenia, and Poland backed Iran’s proposal to recognize the Cyrus Charter as the first charter of human rights and cultural diversity.

The initiative aims to promote the universal values embedded in the ancient text—tolerance, justice, and respect for cultural and religious diversity—and aligns with UNESCO’s mission to foster peace, intercultural dialogue, and the preservation of global heritage.

It also supports the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, particularly Goal 16 (Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions) and Goal 17 (Partnerships for the Goals), emphasizing inclusive cooperation through cultural understanding.

Co-sponsored by Iran, Tajikistan, and Iraq, the resolution calls on the UNESCO Director-General to apply the charter’s principles across programs on justice, human rights, and intercultural dialogue, while urging governments to raise public awareness of its values.

“The adoption of this resolution is not only a national success, but a global affirmation of a historical reality—that respect for human beings and cultural diversity has been introduced to the world from the heart of Iranian civilization,” said Dr. Fartousi during the session.

It marks the first time an ancient Iranian document has been formally recognized as a global human rights charter.

More than 2,500 years after its creation, the Cyrus Charter has re-emerged on the world stage—carrying a message of coexistence, justice, and cultural respect.