The 31st Meeting of the Working Group on Strengthening Academic–Industry Collaboration in Iran’s Water and Power Sector was held on Wednesday, July 15, 2026, with the participation of representatives from the Ministry of Energy, parent specialized companies, research institutions, Prof. Mohammad Hossein Sarrafzadeh, Head of the UNESCO Chair on Water Recycling, Prof. Reza Zarghami, Vice Chair of the UNESCO Chair on Water Recycling, and Dr. Farzin Saffari, a member of the UNESCO Chair on Water Recycling.

During the meeting, Prof. Mohammad Hossein Sarrafzadeh, Head of the UNESCO Chair on Water Recycling, presented an overview of the capacities and opportunities offered by UNESCO Chairs. He emphasized their important role in advancing science diplomacy, expanding international collaboration, and supporting the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly in the fields of water, energy, and decarbonization. He also proposed several initiatives aimed at strengthening cooperation with the Ministry of Energy and implementing joint scientific and technological projects.

The members of the working group discussed strategies for leveraging the capacities of UNESCO Chairs in education, research, and technology development. They highlighted the importance of enhancing international scientific cooperation to address the evolving needs of the water and power industry.

At the conclusion of the meeting, participants reaffirmed the importance of utilizing the UNESCO Chair’s expertise to support the educational, research, and technological needs of the water and power sector. The working group members agreed to identify priority challenges and areas of cooperation to serve as the basis for drafting a collaborative framework between the UNESCO Chair on Water Recycling and the Ministry of Energy. In addition, the establishment of a Water, Energy and Climate Innovation Platform and the expansion of international training opportunities for professionals in the water and power sector were approved as key outcomes of the meeting.