Maryam Shaverdi, 40, is an inspiring woman from Shadegan County in Khuzestan Province. She began her journey 14 years ago, becoming the first woman in her community to cultivate mushrooms and raise quail. Driven by motivation and vision, Maryam began training young people who were eager to work but unsure of where to start both in person and virtually. Even though Maryam’s first language is Arabic, she learned Farsi to reach more people and teach them effectively. She also grew up mastering traditional mat weaving and baking yellow bread, two crafts common in Khuzestan. These skills were about to change her life in ways she did not expect.One day, the Ministry of Agriculture Jihad, as an implementing partner of the Conservation of Iranian Wetlands Project (CIWP) invited Maryam to join this project which is one of UNDP’s longest-running initiatives, launched in 2005. The project aims to improve beneficiaries’ livelihoods by empowering local communities including women. The main issues with the local people to enhance their livelihoods were access to markets such as digital market, or lack of opportunities to trainings that build on local cultures and traditions.“When I learned about CIWP’s objectives and realized that I could help women improve their lives through their skills, I knew I had to be part of it. It changed my life,” Maryam recalled. “At the time, I did not have a fixed income. But once I started working with the project, I earned enough to buy essential equipment and move forward. The training sessions were very well received, and I was inspired to offer free trainings to those who had the drive but lacked the financial means to start their own businesses. I believe everyone—especially unemployed youth—deserves a chance to succeed.” Maryam’s commitment to helping others is deeply rooted in her own experience. At the beginning of her journey, she faced significant challenges and had to travel to neighboring villages to attend training classes herself. This struggle motivated her to support others who are in similar situations. “I do not want others to face challenges the way I did and use their potential to reach their dreams even if they do not have the money,” she said. This empathy drives her to ensure that financial constraints do not hinder others from achieving their goals.She started her training sessions in villages near Shadegan, where women were eager to learn and find ways to support themselves. To assist them, Maryam purchased their products, ensuring they had some financial security even when buyers were not immediately available. Now, she either sells their work directly or buys it herself, holding onto it until she can find buyers.Maryam works with women of various ages, many of whom are the bread winners of their families and rely on mushroom cultivation, dairy production, or weaving for income. Since they lack a communal workshop, they work from their homes, skillfully crafting products using natural, plastic-free materials. Palm leaves and a type of weed found in palm groves are used as both the base and binding for their intricate creations, while the dairy products they make are entirely organic and free of additives.“When I first started, it was just me,” Maryam recalled. “But little by little, neighbors joined, and then more women from the village came along. Today, there are around twenty of us, all weaving and producing together.” She continued, “My dream is to have a dedicated space soon—a weaving workshop where we can work and display our locally made products. Joining CIWP was a turning point for me. It gave me the chance to make a real difference in others’ lives while transforming my own. Since then, we have sold our products at exhibitions we were invited to. I am currently preparing to register our products on digital platforms to reach wider markets, and I am also working on getting export permissions for neighboring countries.” She added.Maryam also shared that the project has inspired her to adopt environmentally friendly practices in her business. She is currently working on sustainable packaging for the products to reach a wider network and continue the mission she embraced with CIWP.UNDP Iran remains committed to supporting initiatives that promote natural resource conservation and enhance beneficiaries' livelihoods, including women. Maryam’s impact goes beyond economic support; she has fostered a vibrant community. Her story exemplifies how individual efforts can lead to profound and transformative community change. 

27 August 2024, Karaj, Islamic Republic of Iran – The World Health Organization (WHO) has achieved a significant milestone by successfully facilitating the procurement 2.79 million of Vaccine Vial Monitors (VVMs) for Islamic Republic of Iran’s oral polio vaccine program. This strategic move that was funded by the Razi Vaccine and Serum Research Institute marks a substantial leap forward in strengthening country’s national immunization efforts.The shipment of VVMs, temperature-sensitive devices crucial for vaccine storage and transportation, arrived through Imam Khomeini International Airport. The consignment was received jointly by the Razi Vaccine and Serum Research Institute and the WHO Country Office in the Islamic Republic of Iran. These VVMs were procured from a reputable international supplier.Dr Ali Es-haghi, Director General of the Razi Vaccine & Serum Research Institute affiliated to the Government of the Islamic Republic of Iran, indicated that the collaborative achievement was the result of concerted efforts across multiple levels. He mentioned that the Razi Serum Vaccine Research Institute, Ministry of Health and Medical Education, Iran Food and Drug Administration (IFDA), The Ministry of Industry, Mine and Trade, WHO Country Office in the Islamic Republic of Iran, WHO Headquarters, and the Eastern Mediterranean Regional Office (EMRO) worked tirelessly for nearly two years to navigate a complex procurement process. According to him, the initiative began in November 2022 following a request from the Razi Institute. Dr. Hamid Jafari, Polio Director at EMRO, conducted a mission to Iran in August 2022, laying the groundwork for this critical endeavor.  Dr. Es-haghi also noted that in December 2022, a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) was signed between the Razi Institute and the WHO country office, formalizing the purchase of these essential supplies for use inside the country.VVMs play a pivotal role in maintaining vaccine potency and effectiveness. Placed on the vaccine vials, these devices ensure that vaccines remain within the optimal temperature range during storage and transportation. By safeguarding the health of children, they contribute significantly to the global effort to eradicate polio.Dr Syed Jaffar Hussain, WHO Representative and Head of Mission to the Islamic Republic of Iran, emphasized the importance of this achievement: “Securing these VVMs is a crucial step in ensuring the safety and efficacy of vaccines. It reflects our shared commitment to improving health outcomes for all in the world and in the Islamic Republic of Iran.”This technology transfer not only represents a remarkable advancement but also underscores WHO’s unwavering dedication to supporting Iran’s national immunization program. By prioritizing safe storage and transportation of vaccines, the VVMs will protect children from preventable diseases, contributing to a healthier society. This project embodies the humanitarian principles that guide WHO’s mission toward a healthier future for all. 

An art exhibition in Tehran, which was opened for public on 9 August, highlights global environmental challenges, focuses on the interconnected issues of climate change, nature and biodiversity loss, and pollution and waste. These pressing concerns collectively represent the triple planetary crisis that our world is facing today.This exhibition is organized by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and the United Nations Information Centre (UNIC) in the Islamic Republic of Iran, with the partnership of Ech Art Gallery and ArtUnity. The exhibition brings together 18 artists and 36 works of art. Visitors will encounter thought-provoking pieces – with accompanied information and statistics – that challenge us to reflect on our relationship with nature and our role in its conservation and preservation. These powerful artworks are more than just visual experiences; they are calls to action, urging us to acknowledge the severity of our environmental challenges as a global community and to work collectively towards sustainable solutions.“The purpose of the exhibition is to raise public awareness about the severe environmental stress that our beautiful planet is exposed to,” said the UN Resident Coordinator, Stefan Priesner, at the opening ceremony of the exhibition. “While the scope of environmental challenges is extremely concerning, the positive news is that solutions exist, and humanity can tackle the triple planetary crisis. We need stronger commitment and increased resources to guide humanity towards a sustainable future,” he added. The exhibit is open to public 9-17 August 2024, from 16:00-22:00, at Ech Art Gallery (No. 10, Mirza Taraj Alley, Shariati Street, south of Cinema Farhang, Tehran). UNDP together with other UN sister agencies, funds, and programmes, works closely with national and international partners to promote the integration of environment-friendly policies into all sectors. UN and its partners advocate for improved management of natural resources and biodiversity conservation and strive to increase national capacities to address climate action, including through international advocacy for climate finance. Additional Information:The exhibition brochure in English

Tehran, 04 August 2024 – The United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) in the Islamic Republic of Iran in an official ceremony handed over one X-ray Body Scanner. The official event was organized at the Imam Khomeini International Airport, with the presence of representatives from the UNODC Iran, the Drug Control Headquarters (DCHQ) and the Anti-Narcotics Police of the Islamic Republic of Iran. UNODC Iran successfully completed the procurement of three (3) X-ray Body Scanners and installed them in three Iranian international airports, namely Imam Khomeini International Airport, Gorgan International Airport and Ahvaz International Airport. This Office also provided pertinent specialized trainings for end users of each device, under the guidance and supervision of professional technical engineers. Due to its geographic proximity to Afghanistan, the Islamic Republic of Iran serves as both a destination and a transit route for illicit drug trafficking, especially opioids and recently methamphetamine produced in Afghanistan. In response to this challenge, the UNODC Iran under its Sub-Programme 1 “Border Management and Illicit Trafficking” continues to support, both technically and financially, the national drug control efforts, through implementation of various activities.  The installation of the X-ray body scanners at the airports aimed at preventing the illegal trafficking of drugs though air border of the Islamic Republic of Iran. The scanners are crucial for efficiently identifying narcotic drugs concealed in body or swallowed.Dr. Mahdi Javaheri, Director General of the International Relations Office of DCHQ, in his statements expressed his gratitude to the UNODC for continuous support extended to the Iranian controlling entities and hoped the support will continue and increase in the future, considering the high demand for provision of controlling equipment, especially X-ray devices.Procurement of controlling equipment is among the main activities of UNODC Iran under its Sub-programme 1 “Border Management and Illicit Trafficking”. This initiative has been incorporated into the UNODC Iran Country Partnership Programme (CPP) based on needs assessments and proposals from national counterparts. This outstanding achievement is an indicator of successful cooperation between UNODC Iran and its national counterparts, also clearly highlights the positive and significant role of UNODC in the process of drug control and border management.***For additional information please contact Sougand Babaei (Ms.)National Programme Assistant, UNODC Country Office in the Islamic Republic of IranTel.: +98 21 88 87 83 77, email: sougand.babaei@un.org