Tehran- On February 9, 2015, the fourth International Symposium on “Iran 2026 Vision” was held in Tehran to study the irreplaceable role of energy, particularly oil industry, in achieving the 10-year future goals of Iran’s economic development and come up with practical solutions regarding the energy and water crisis in the country and further to face the challenges and overcome obstacles. 

Attending the two-day conference were a number of high level government officials, Deputy Ministers, Heads of UN agencies as well as International Corps, academics and researchers.

Mr. Gary Lewis, UN Resident Coordinator, underlined a message to public planners and financial decision-makers in the Islamic Republic of Iran requesting them to review the goals set in the Iran’s 2026 Perspective Plan  from the  angle of sustainable growth and development and stated: “I believe that the Government of the Islamic Republic of Iran can demonstrate leadership – among the community of nations –to align elements of Iran’s strategic 2026 Perspective Plan with the new  Sustainable Development Goal and methods.”

Ms. Soudabeh Ahmadzadeh, UNFPA Assistant Representative, highlighted the role of population trend in future planning regarding energy consumption and water crisis and said: “The link between population, resources, environment and development must be acknowledged and equally taken into consideration in drafting future plans, to achieve sustainable development and ensure every person’s fair share in well-being.”

The conference continued by further technical discussions among a number of national and international experts and researchers in separate specialized panels for energy consumption, water crisis and sustainable development.