In a landmark decision, UNESCO has officially recognized the Cyrus the Great Charter as one of the earliest declarations of human rights, celebrating its message of cultural diversity and tolerance. The announcement came during the 43rd General Conference of UNESCO, held in Samarkand.
The proposal, jointly submitted by Iran and Tajikistan and approved by all member states, highlights Iran’s enduring contribution to the preservation of human heritage and universal moral values.
Adopted by consensus on Thursday, November 6, 2025 (15 Aban 1404), the resolution identifies the Cyrus the Great Charter as “a cornerstone in the history of human civilization” and “the earliest recorded expression of freedom, justice, tolerance, and respect for cultural diversity.”
As part of this resolution, UNESCO will integrate the teachings and ethical principles of the Cyrus Charter into its educational, cultural, and human rights initiatives.
The announcement in Samarkand was attended by Ahmad Pakatchi, Ambassador and Permanent Representative of the Islamic Republic of Iran to UNESCO, and Hassan Fartousi, Secretary-General of the Iranian National Commission for UNESCO. Their sustained efforts, along with the support of Hossein Simaei, Minister of Science, Research, and Technology and President of the Iranian National Commission for UNESCO, played a crucial role in the proposal and successful adoption of the resolution.
On November 6, several nations—including Egypt, Iraq, Colombia, India, Nigeria, Algeria, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Kenya, Senegal, Armenia, and Poland—voiced their support for Iran in recognizing the Cyrus the Great Charter as the world’s first declaration of human rights and cultural diversity.
The purpose of this initiative is to emphasize the universal principles enshrined in this historic document: tolerance, justice, and respect for cultural and religious diversity.
The effort also reflects UNESCO’s core mission to advance peace, intercultural dialogue, and the safeguarding of human heritage. It aligns with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, particularly Goal 16 (Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions) and Goal 17 (Partnerships for the Goals), as the Cyrus Charter promotes an inclusive and cooperative cultural framework for societies.
Jointly submitted by Iran and Tajikistan, the resolution reaffirms the global importance of the Cyrus Charter and calls on the Director-General of UNESCO to incorporate its principles into initiatives related to justice, human rights, and intercultural understanding. It further invites member states to enhance global awareness of the document’s historical and moral significance.
Speaking at the event in Samarkand, Hassan Fartousi remarked that the resolution’s adoption represents “not just a national success, but a universal recognition of a historical truth—that respect for human dignity and cultural diversity was first articulated within the Iranian civilization.”
This marks the first time an ancient Iranian text has been acknowledged internationally as a charter tied to human rights. More than 2,500 years after its creation, the Cyrus the Great Charter has found renewed voice at one of the world’s foremost international assemblies, carrying a timeless message of coexistence, cultural respect, and human dignity.
