Islamic Culture and Communication Organization

The Islamic Culture and Communication Organization (ICCO), as the center for public diplomacy of the Islamic Republic of Iran, was established in 1995 (1374 in the Iranian solar calendar) to coordinate cultural activities abroad and present a clear picture of Iranian-Islamic culture and civilization to the world.

Through its cultural representations in countries around the world, the Organization seeks to introduce international audiences to aspects of the ancient, seven-thousand-year-old civilization of this land and the achievements of the Islamic Revolution. Drawing on its institutional expertise and the capabilities of scholars and specialists, it pursues this mission through a wide range of activities. It also seeks to present the compassionate and merciful face of Islam, along with the scientific and cultural capabilities and achievements of the Islamic Republic of Iran and the country's tourist attractions, to people around the world.

International Cultural Strategic Objectives of the Islamic Republic of Iran

The strategic objectives of the Islamic Republic of Iran's cultural diplomacy are derived from the Organization's mandate, as set out in its statute and other higher-level policy documents. They are as follows:

• Promoting knowledge, interest in, and conviction in the Pure Muhammadan Islam (peace and blessings be upon him and his family), the discourse of the Islamic Revolution, the thought of Imam Khomeini (may he rest in peace), and the ideas of the Supreme Leader (may God prolong his authority).

• Institutionalizing an accurate and appropriate narrative of the Islamic Republic of Iran and its achievements in global public opinion.

• Strengthening the unity, solidarity, and identity of the Muslim Ummah.

• Strengthening the identity and enhancing the status of followers of the Ahl al-Bayt (peace be upon them), and expanding the Islamic Revolution's social capital among them.

• Creating the conditions necessary for the realization of a new Islamic civilization.

• Promoting the Persian language and literature, as well as the values of Iranian-Islamic culture, art, and civilization.

• Preserving and strengthening the identity of Iranians living abroad and expanding their interest in and connections with Iran.

Organizational Structure of the Islamic Culture and Communication Organization

Supreme Council

Composition of the Supreme Council

The Supreme Council consists of 15 ministers and academic and cultural figures appointed by order of the Supreme Leader of the Islamic Revolution (may his authority be everlasting). Its members are as follows:

A) Five academic and cultural figures selected by the Supreme Leader.

B) Ten members comprising the following officials:

• Minister of Culture and Islamic Guidance (Chairman of the Council)

• Minister of Foreign Affairs

• Head of the Islamic Republic of Iran Broadcasting (IRIB)

• Deputy for International Affairs of the Office of the Supreme Leader

• Head of the Islamic Propagation Organization

• Secretary-General of the World Forum for Proximity of Islamic Schools of Thought

• Secretary-General of the Ahl al-Bayt (peace be upon them) World Assembly

• President of Al-Mustafa International University

• Head of the Islamic Culture and Communication Organization

President of the Organization

Hojjatoleslam val-Moslemin Mohammad Mahdi Imanipour, born in 1964 (1343 in the Iranian solar calendar), has received advanced education in Islamic seminary studies. His professional background includes teaching and research in law and theology, cultural management, and strategic management.

He has authored numerous articles published in Iranian and international journals, as well as the books Resalah fi al-Ghina, Qur'anic Misconceptions, and A Critique of the Theory of Borrowing.

His executive experience includes serving as the Cultural Counselor of the Islamic Republic of Iran in Russia and Germany, Director-General for Cultural Affairs of Europe and America, and Deputy for the Development of International Cultural Relations at the Islamic Culture and Communication Organization.

Presidents of the Organization Since Its Establishment

• Mohammad Ali Taskhiri: 1995–2001 (1374–1380)

• Mahmoud Mohammadi Araghi: 2001–2007 (1380–1386)

• Mehdi Mostafavi: 2007–2010 (1386–1389)

• Mohammad Bagher Khorramshad: 2010–2013 (1389–1392)

• Abuzar Ebrahimi Torkaman: 2013–2021 (1392–1400)

• Mohammad Mahdi Imanipour: 2021–present (1400–present)

Organizational Units

Office of the President

• Office of the President

• General Directorate of the Presidential Office, Public Relations, and Performance Management

• Center for Planning, Administrative Modernization, and Information Technology

• General Directorate of Security

• Center for Strategic Studies on Cultural Relations

• Center for Interfaith and Intercultural Dialogue

• Selection and Recruitment Office

• Secretariat of the Imam Khomeini (RA) World Award

Deputy for the Development of International Cultural Relations

• General Directorate for the Development of Cultural Relations with Europe and America

• General Directorate for the Development of Cultural Relations with Asia and the Pacific

• General Directorate for the Development of Cultural Relations with Africa and the Arab World

• General Directorate for Cultural Exchanges and International Organizations

Deputy for Scientific and Cultural Cooperation

• General Directorate for Scientific and Academic Cooperation

• General Directorate for Cultural Cooperation and Affairs of Iranians Abroad

• General Directorate for Media Cooperation and Cyberspace

• General Directorate for International Outreach

• Center for the Organization of Translation and Publication of Islamic Teachings and Humanities

• Al-Hoda International Cultural, Artistic, and Publishing Institute

• Noor Mobin Institute for Science and Education

Deputy for Management Development and Resources

• General Directorate for Human Resource Development

• General Directorate of Financial Affairs and Treasury

• General Directorate of Protocol and Support Services