Young Iranians showcase scientific, cultural prowess and bring home a bronze in mathematics
Reporter: Mahta Sanei
A Week of Cultural and Academic Exchange in Kazan
The Iranian youth delegation, backed by Tehran’s Center for Women and Family Affairs, made a striking impression at the BRICS Global Youth Festival held in Kazan, Russia. Their participation spotlighted the nation’s scientific, cultural, and social potential—capped by a bronze medal in mathematics achieved by Zoha Sadegh-pour.
According to Jahanbanou, the festival drew some 150 adolescents aged 14 to 17 from thirteen BRICS+ nations. The weeklong event featured academic and sports olympiads, cultural workshops, and expert sessions focused on sustainable development, innovation, and global friendship.
Iran’s presence in Kazan came at the formal invitation of the Kazan municipality—an active member of the Asian Mayors Forum (AIMF). This cooperation has paved the way for meaningful youth exchanges and cultural diplomacy between Iranian cities and BRICS cities.
Highlighting Iran’s Cultural and Intellectual Riches
The Iranian delegation entered the festival with dual aims: presenting their country’s scientific and cultural achievements and deepening global youth relations. Their cultural booth, featuring handicrafts, performances, and multimedia presentations on Iranian heritage, attracted widespread interest and engagement.
In a creative act of solidarity, the Iranian youth also ran a signature-collection campaign calling attention to the plight of Gaza’s civilians. Their message emphasized peace, justice, cross-cultural respect, and environmental stewardship as shared human responsibilities.
On the academic and athletic front, the delegation received accolades from the festival organizers, while Zoha Sadegh-pour took home a bronze medal in the individual mathematics competition. The mathematics and informatics olympiad was part of the larger BRICS+ Youth Festival, held from September 22 to 28 in Kazan.
Voices from the Festival: Pride, Growth, and Determination
On her medal win, Sadegh-pour shared: “When I held that bronze in my hands, I felt tremendous pride and joy. In that moment I wasn’t just thinking of myself—I was thinking of my country and Iran’s youth. I wanted to represent Iran with honor.”
Reflecting on cultural interaction, she said: “Meeting peers from different countries was both sweet and illuminating. Through each conversation, I learned about their traditions, meals, and values—and discovered parallels with our own culture. This experience broadened my worldview.”
She also spoke to perseverance: “We should never give up on our dreams. Always strive toward your goals, never doubt yourself or lose hope. Do your best—and leave the outcome in the hands of God.”
On her path to the festival, Sadegh-pour explained: “Over the past two years I engaged in many events organized by Tehran’s Center for Women and Family Affairs. I followed its social media pages, submitted my resume when the youth call was announced, passed the interview stage, and was ultimately selected. Then I was recommended to the Asian Mayors Forum and finally sent to Kazan.”
The Role of Tehran’s Women & Family Center
Tehran’s Center for Women and Family Affairs played a pivotal role in scouting, nurturing, and supporting talented youth, then presenting them to the Asian Mayors Forum. Of Iran’s eight participants at the festival, five were introduced through this center.
From: jahanbanou