H.E. Dr. Masoud Pezeshkian, the President of the Islamic of Republic of Iran, attended the 38th Khwarizmi International Award and the 26th Khwarizmi Youth Award ceremony held on Sunday, February 23, 2025, at the Iran International Conference Center.
In his speech at the event, the President stated that to solve the country's problems, those who can do so are the ones who feel the pain, understand it, and have the will to address the issues. He emphasized that people seek solutions depending on their level of concern and pain. "Today, humanity is looking for ways to travel beyond the solar system; thus, the problems we face are not so severe that solutions cannot be found," Dr. Pezeshkian remarked.
He emphasized the importance of believing in our ability to solve problems, stating that having concerns is a prerequisite for finding solutions. "If we are concerned, we will sit down and find ways to address the issues, and it is you who have the capability to discover solutions," he added. He stressed the need for universities to cultivate student awareness of societal issues.
Dr. Pezeshkian noted that today, most universities around the world are 3rd and 4th generation institutions that are community-oriented and nurture students to develop problem-solving abilities. He further added that universities are no longer just academic and research environments; they are moving toward 5th generation universities where there are no longer specific fields of study. Instead, they focus on topics that encompass multiple disciplines working together to solve problems collaboratively. For example, in modern medicine, medical science works alongside physics, chemistry, mechanics, electronics, and other fields to treat individuals.
Dr. Masoud Pezeshkian stated, "Humanity today is striving to make possible many things that were considered impossible just a few years ago. For instance, modern medical science is seeking cures for blindness, deafness, and mobility impairments, achieving significant progress in many areas." He emphasized that this is a level of advancement that humanity can achieve, and by relying on our talented youth, professors, and academics, we can reach this goal and resolve the country’s problems. The only condition for this is that our universities must be community-oriented and problem-focused.
He further elaborated that having pain and concern instills power and will in a person. “When there is a sense of urgency, the distractions of idleness and aimlessness become meaningless, and the only thing that matters is achieving the goal,” he noted. With this mindset, he believes that all aspects of a person’s being are directed toward reaching that goal. Dr. Pezeshkian stressed the need to transform the general attitudes within society and universities to cultivate individuals who are truly concerned about the challenges they face.
The President highlighted the importance of a different perspective in problem-solving, noting, "When we speak with certain managers, we often find that they are stuck in a certain mindset and cannot step outside it to think or plan differently." He called for the design of strategies to break free from outdated cognitive frameworks, which hinder finding solutions to problems.
Dr. Pezeshkian pointed out the irony of humanity contemplating life on Mars while facing basic issues like gas, water, and electricity supply. “The reason for this is that we are trapped in a mindset that leads to a dead end," he stated, suggesting that we need to think differently in order to overcome our challenges. He asserted that academics are crucial to this endeavor as they seek new avenues and think beyond the mundane routines of daily life.
The President announced the government's determination to provide comprehensive support to the academic community, stating, "I promise you that we will do everything in our power to create an environment conducive to your activities. We will assist you in all matters related to regulations, resources, and necessary facilities, within our capabilities, to help society move forward in solving its problems."
Dr. Pezeshkian addressed the issue of "dispersal in the country’s educational and research structure," highlighting a significant problem he observed while teaching at a local university. He noted, "I often saw tools that were designed for daily use being utilized only once or twice a week. This kind of usage is a waste of resources, and we need to reform our practices and behaviors in this regard." He further pointed out the inefficiency of having experts located in one place while their tools are situated elsewhere, emphasizing the need for coordinated efforts to resolve these issues.
He expressed his hope that with proper planning and a focus on societal issues, we can overcome the current challenges facing the country. He stated, "I am confident that the future will be shaped by our thoughts. We can join hands and create a beautiful future through careful planning." He emphasized the importance of having a positive outlook towards problem-solving, noting that if a manager or individual lacks hope for resolving issues, progress becomes impossible. He added that managers should not only believe in solving problems but also strive for superiority across all sectors compared to competitors. The government is willing to send students and academics to necessary specialized training programs to achieve these goals.
In closing, the President underscored the need to leverage the talents and expertise of scholars to address the country’s challenges, saying, "You, the academics, are the supporters of society and a source of pride for the nation. Together, we can build a society better than it currently is; we have the capability to change conditions to the benefit of Iran and our country."
During the event, Dr. Pezeshkian honored nine laureates of the 38th Khwarizmi International Award and nine laureates of the 26th Khwarizmi Youth Award by presenting them with certificates of appreciation. This recognition highlights the importance of innovation and excellence in academic and scientific contributions to the nation.