On September 18, 2024, a meeting was held at the Young Scientists Festival Secretariat. The event was attended by several distinguished guests, including:
- His Excellency Sehloho Francis Moloi, the respected Ambassador of South Africa to Iran
- Afsoon Azami, the Officer Manager of the Embassy
- Fariboz Farzaneh, Marketing Officer of the Embassy
- Shadi Jamili, Director of the Young Scientists Festival Secretariat
- Soroush Moaddab, Executive Manager of the Festival
- Fateme Mohammadipanah, Head of the International Committee of the Festival
- Shima Manzoumi, International Expert of the Festival
- Mahdi Baeidinejad, International Expert of the Festival
- Jahangir Jeyhoun, the Zarrin Industrial and Mining Group’s Commercial Manager
The meeting began with a comprehensive presentation on the structure, activities, and accomplishments of the Jamili Science and Technology Foundation, the Young Scientists Festival, and the UNESCO Basic Sciences and Technology Club over the past few years. The report highlighted the Foundation’s dedication to promoting science and technology, as well as its support for elite young individuals and idea generators in the field of basic sciences.
Dr. Mohammadipanah then elaborated on the international programs and objectives of the festival, suggesting potential ideas for further scientific cooperation between YSF and similar scientific organizations in South Africa.
His Excellency Francis Moloi lauded the remarkable efforts of the Young Scientists Festival in advancing science and knowledge, as well as the Jamili Science and Technology Foundation’s dedication to supporting elite young individuals and entrepreneurs. He emphasized the various avenues for scientific and commercial cooperation between Iran and South Africa, including natural resources and mining, as well as the growth of startups and knowledge-based businesses.
The Ambassador acknowledged the abundant opportunities for collaboration between the two nations and noted that the festival and foundation’s initiatives align with South Africa’s goals and requirements. He expressed optimism that the continued pursuit of outstanding scientific activities by this collaborative effort would pave the way for extensive scientific cooperation between the two countries.
In particular, the Ambassador stressed the importance of fostering scientific interactions within the framework of the BRICS alliance, identifying this as a shared objective for both nations to strengthen their partnership and drive scientific advancement.
Concluding the meeting, Dr. Jamili extended an invitation to the esteemed Ambassador to attend the closing ceremony of the eighth Young Scientists Festival and also underscored the importance of broadening the scope of scientific and technological cooperation between the Young Scientists Festival and its counterpart organizations in South Africa.
This exchange highlighted the mutual commitment to fostering collaboration in science and technology, with the ultimate goal of advancing innovation and promoting growth in both countries.
