Mustafa Foundation Presents Initiatives for International Week of Science and Peace

The Mustafa Foundation for Science and Technology has organized a series of educational and media projects to celebrate the International Week of Science and Peace (November 9-15) and World Science Day for Peace and Development (November 10).

These initiatives aim to raise public awareness about scientific achievements and breakthroughs, explain various scientific phenomena, and promote scientific thinking through diverse media formats.

One of the foundation's outputs is the release of the tenth episode of the podcast 'Observatory,' titled 'Building the Missing Element of the Body.' This episode examines the significance and necessity of organ transplantation and presents tissue engineering as a major field of bioengineering.

Furthermore, the foundation will release the fourth issue of its journal 'Observatory,' which will feature articles on the latest advancements in fields such as aerospace, cosmology, mathematics, cancer treatment, and bioprinting.

Another planned program is the publication of an exclusive interview with Pik Si Chah, a Malaysian scientist and former laureate of the foundation's KANS Scientific Competition. Cheah studied biomedical sciences at Universiti Putra Malaysia, received a PhD in Anatomy from Kebangsaan University Malaysia, and conducted postdoctoral research in molecular neurogenetics at the University of Adelaide in Australia.

As part of the week's events, the foundation also organized a two-day educational program in Tehran for 40 top students from across the country participating in the foundation's sixth student competition.

International Week of Science and Peace

The International Week of Science and Peace and World Science Day for Peace and Development are two global events that highlight the role of science in improving people's lives, strengthening international cooperation, and contributing to a more peaceful and sustainable world.

The International Week of Science and Peace was first held in 1986 as a non-governmental organization initiative during the International Year of Peace. Following the continuation of this initiative, the United Nations General Assembly adopted Resolution 43/61 in 1988, establishing the week containing November 11th as the International Week of Science and Peace. The goal of this event is to raise public awareness about the link between scientific and technological progress, peace, and security, while encouraging collaboration among scientists. It is observed annually from November 9 to 15.

Meanwhile, World Science Day for Peace and Development arose after the World Conference on Science, which took place in Budapest in 1999 in collaboration with UNESCO and the International Science Council. The conference emphasized the importance of strengthening the links between science and society, paving the way for the establishment of this day. In 2001, the UNESCO General Conference proclaimed November 10th as World Science Day for Peace and Development, and the first global celebration took place in 2002.

Key objectives of this day include strengthening the connection between science and society, encouraging public participation in discussions on scientific issues, raising awareness about the role of science in daily life, and demonstrating the social responsibility of scientists. It also provides an opportunity for governments, scientific institutions, media, teachers, and students to work together to use science for the benefit of peace and development.

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www.tehrantimes.comOctober 23, 13:59

Media literacy week held in Iran to raise public awareness about digital media

From October 24th to 30th, Media Literacy Week is being observed in Iran, aiming to promote media literacy and increase citizens' awareness of how to interact with media and navigate the digital space.

Media literacy is defined as the ability to distinguish false information from truth. It is the process of perceiving media messages, understanding what they are trying to convey through news, films, and television programs, analyzing this information, and making informed decisions. Essentially, it is the skill of remaining a critical, thoughtful, and responsible consumer of information.

The Center for Academic Education, Culture, and Research (Jahad-e Daneshgahi) and other cultural and media organizations are participating in this week, holding various events to popularize media literacy and expand the audience's ability to evaluate information presented on social networks and in the media, according to IRNA.

Events within the Week

The opening ceremony of the week will take place on Saturday, featuring a lecture by the head of the National Cyber Space Center. During the ceremony, a parental media education channel called 'Media Compass' will be introduced in the Shad messaging application.

On Sunday, a major conference on the topic of 'parental media education' is scheduled in Alborz province. On Monday, the National Cyber Space Center will organize a consultation meeting on the role of online platforms and media in enhancing media literacy, and on Tuesday, an educational seminar is set at Farhangian University.

On Wednesday, the Iranian Media Literacy Association, in collaboration with the Yasaneh Academy, will hold a webinar for teachers and media literacy specialists on the topic of Artificial Intelligence (AI).

Conferences titled 'Media Literacy and the Informed Citizen' are planned for Thursday and Friday. Other scheduled activities include conducting training courses for video game narrators by the Iranian Video Game Fund, as well as for media literacy specialists by the Iranian Media Literacy Association and the National Cyber Space Center, alongside the presentation of ten books on media literacy and information enlightenment.

The Global Media and Information Literacy Week runs from October 24th to 31st. In 2026, this week will be under the slogan 'We All Play Our Part – Media Literacy and Information for the People,' emphasizing the power of individuals and communities in making conscious decisions, critical thinking, and meaningful participation in an increasingly complex information environment. This year's campaign focuses on collective action, uniting educators, journalists, youth, policymakers, digital creators, parents, and civil society worldwide.

Significance of Media Literacy During War

Information and media literacy are among the most important tools for countering threats originating from foreign media psychological operations during military actions, as well as for ensuring social cohesion.

Media literacy represents an expanded concept of literacy that includes the ability to access and analyze media messages, as well as to create, interpret, and act using the power of information and communication to bring about change in the world.

According to Javad Talechi, head of the Social Welfare Media Department in Iran, foreign media psychological operations can have a negative impact on society. However, improving informational and media literacy in society through educational seminars, content creation, strengthening national media, and monitoring social networks will help enhance social resistance to societal threats.

Foreign media can conduct psychological operations in various ways, such as spreading fake news and rumors to demoralize the population and induce strong fear. Another method involves distorting facts and disseminating incomplete or false news to create an unrealistic image of war; they can even incite ethnic and civil conflicts to sow discord in society.

Another strategy is undermining people's trust in the government through unfounded criticism and damaging the image of state bodies. Furthermore, foreign media attempts to promote foreign cultures and values to weaken the nation's identity. Nevertheless, media literacy helps people use critical thinking to evaluate information and news, determine the reliability of news sources, and decide on the authenticity of the information.

To use media effectively and safely, it is necessary to improve media literacy skills. There are various ways to improve this skill among Iranian families, with media education being one of the most effective. This skill can be developed in schools by conducting educational seminars for parents.

National media must be strengthened as a powerful, people-oriented medium capable of functioning as a reliable source of news broadcasting. Families should be encouraged to use credible sources such as books, scientific articles, and specialized websites.