UNICEF, in partnership with Iran’s Ministry of Health and Medical Education, has delivered two important shipments of vaccines to protect around 1.5 million children across the country. These shipments include the Pneumococcal Conjugate Vaccine (PCV) and the Pentavalent vaccine—both critical tools in keeping children safe from life-threatening diseases.The latest batch of PCV vaccines—200,250 vials—arrived in Iran on July 30, 2025. This follows an earlier shipment in April that included PCV and the Rotavirus vaccine. These efforts were made possible with support from the GAVI Alliance, a global organization that helps improve access to vaccines in low- and middle-income countries. On August 3, another major shipment landed: 465,000 doses of the Pentavalent vaccine.The PCV vaccine was added to Iran’s national immunization schedule in 2024. It protects young children from dangerous illnesses like pneumonia, meningitis, and blood infections—diseases caused by the Streptococcus pneumoniae bacteria. Pneumonia remains one of the top killers of children under five worldwide, so getting this vaccine to infants is a life-saving step.The Pentavalent vaccine offers protection against five serious diseases in one shot: diphtheria, tetanus, whooping cough, hepatitis B, and Hib. It’s usually given to babies in their first year, as part of their regular vaccination schedule.UNICEF is also working hard to make sure these vaccines stay effective from the moment they arrive in the country to when they’re given to each child. That means supporting cold chain systems—like walk-in refrigerators and specially-equipped delivery trucks—to keep vaccines at the right temperature. UNICEF also trains health workers and provides technical support to make sure vaccines are handled safely and according to international standards.And there’s more to come: another shipment of the Rotavirus vaccine is expected soon, expanding protection even further for children across Iran.With every delivery, UNICEF is helping make sure every child in Iran has a fair chance at a healthy start in life.

Since 2020, UNIDO has been dedicated to enhancing the resilience and well-being of refugees in Iran through innovative projects aligned with the host government strategies and Sustainable Development Goals. Building on this momentum, the ongoing initiative " Sustainable Waste Management in Semnan Settlement" under the project of “Scaling up Sustainable Settlements for Refugees in the Islamic Republic of Iran”, supported by the Government of the Republic of Korea, seeks to foster environmentally sustainable communities by promoting waste recycling and composting practices, thereby strengthening resilience and environmental stewardship in Semnan settlement.A notable milestone took place on 7 May 2025, when a comprehensive waste management training focused on home-scale vermicomposting was held at the Semnan refugee settlement. The training saw the enthusiastic participation of 133 refugees, including 127 women and 6 men, spanning various age groups—34 participants (approximately 16%) aged 13-25, 44 participants (around 20%) aged 26-35, and 55 participants (about 25%) aged 36-58—reflecting broad community engagement across generations.During the event, refugees learned how to transform organic waste into valuable fertilizer through vermicomposting, promoting sustainable waste disposal and enhancing agricultural productivity at home. Many expressed eagerness to implement these practices, which contribute significantly to reducing waste, improving food security, and fostering environmental stewardship within their community. This initiative is part of UNIDO’s broader efforts to empower refugees to become active agents of change. Among the inspiring stories is that of Mojdeh, a 13-year-old girl and the youngest refugee participant in the training. She was eager to learn how to transform organic waste into valuable fertilizer and demonstrated remarkable enthusiasm for environmental practices. Mojdeh said, “I want to help my community by recycling waste and making our environment cleaner. I believe even young people can make a difference. This project is also giving me the chance to build new skills and connect with others, helping me grow both personally and socially.” Her interest and dedication exemplify how young community members are taking ownership of sustainability efforts and inspiring others to follow suit. Her enthusiasm highlights the potential of empowering youth as key drivers of positive change in their communities.  The training received strong positive feedback, with approximately 52% of participants rating the content as "Very Good" and about 54% expressing confidence in the instructor’s expertise. Most felt the session met their expectations and appreciated the clarity of delivery. Overall, the feedback highlighted excellent organization, engaging trainers, and a successful session. This feedback underscores the effectiveness of the program and the community’s enthusiasm for sustainable practices. It reflects a community eager to adopt new skills—empowering refugees not only to improve their living conditions but also to become ambassadors of sustainability.Thanks to initiatives like the waste management training, community members are seeing tangible improvements in their environmental practices and living conditions. UNIDO plans to expand these programs in support of the host country to other settlements in 2025 and beyond, fostering resilience and a sense of environmental responsibility among refugees. Building on these efforts, the project is currently implementing renewable energy solutions in the settlements of Semnan and Torbat-e Jam. Specifically, we are installing two solar power plants, each with a capacity of 200 kWp, to provide clean and reliable electricity to the communities. These installations aim to reduce dependence on traditional energy sources, lower carbon emissions, and enhance the overall living conditions of both refugees and host communities. By integrating renewable technologies, the project promotes sustainable development, supports energy independence, and contributes to climate resilience in the region. 

Art gives voice to our deepest concerns and boldest dreams, especially when words fall short.To mark World Environment Day 2025, more than 300 students aged 7 to 17 from Soodeh Educational Complex picked up their brushes and pencils to reflect on the damage caused by plastic pollution and paint their own vision of a cleaner and sustainable future. Forty artworks were selected to be showcased, each a compelling expression of how the next generation sees both the crisis and the solution.World Environment Day, observed every year on June 5th, is a global reminder of our shared responsibility to care for the planet. This year’s theme “Beat Plastic Pollution,” draws attention to one of the most pressing environmental challenges of our time, one that affects communities and ecosystems around the world, including Iran.
Plastic is embedded in nearly every part of daily life. Yet improper disposal has caused serious consequences for nature, wildlife, and human health. A single plastic bottle, used for minutes, can take up to 450 years to decompose.Engaging children in these efforts raises awareness and empowers them from a young age to understand their environmental footprint and their role as responsible global citizens. When children are part of the solution, they carry lessons into their homes and communities, creating ripple effects of positive change.
Ms. Masoumeh Namazi, Principal of Soodeh Educational Complex, emphasized the importance of environmental education from an early age: “Raising awareness about the environment has always been part of our educational mission. We believe that teaching students contributes to knowledge dissemination in their families and create a culture of care and responsibility.”She added: “With the help of our International Department, our students take part in practical activities, such as reducing plastic consumption, planting trees, and collecting plastic bottle caps, which are donated to an NGO that recycles them to produce wheelchairs for those in need.”To reinforce their commitment, students also signed an environmental pledge:“Every piece of plastic we discard harms nature — disturbing the tranquility of our forests, rivers, and all living beings. To preserve the beauty of our world, protect wildlife, and ensure clean air and water for future generations, we commit to managing our plastic consumption. By signing this petition, we pledge to protect and restore nature.
#BeatPlasticPollution — 5 June 2025” To further amplify and spread the students' voices, the artworks will be displayed in ECH Art Gallery and Sam Café. These platforms provide access to the general public, especially young people.United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and GEF Small Grants Programme (SGP) in Iran partnered with Soodeh Educational Complex, public galleries and cafés  to raise broader awareness, share the dreams and concerns of the younger generation, and inspire change. The initiative also encourages galleries and cafés to take their own steps toward more environmentally friendly practices—be it reducing single-use plastics or promoting sustainable choices.UNDP in Iran is working closely with national and international partners to support the Government in promoting sustainable development, including through a wide range of environmental initiatives. This collaboration with Soudeh and the private sector serves as a powerful reminder that when young minds engage with environmental issues, they don’t just create art, they connect generations by creating awareness, taking joint action, and helping shape a better future.
  
 

Organized under the GCF-funded project titled “Strengthening Iran’s Access to GCF with National Ownership, Knowledge-Based Policies, and Sound Technologies,” the workshop is part of broader efforts to strengthen Iran’s institutional readiness to effectively access and utilize climate finance.As the delivery partner for the project, FAO, alongside the DoE, which serves as Iran’s National Designated Authority to the GCF, is launching a series of workshops aimed at developing effective national coordination mechanisms. These mechanisms are vital for facilitating stronger engagement with the GCF and other multilateral climate finance institutions.In a message delivered on his behalf, Farrukh Toirov, FAO Representative to the Islamic Republic of Iran, emphasized the importance of readiness programmes in supporting partner countries. “Initiatives like this are relatively new frameworks launched by multilateral institutions to help countries enhance their climate financial planning and institutional capacity.”“Key activities under the Readiness II project include identifying national adaptation and mitigation priorities, conducting Technology Needs Assessments, preparing Technology Action Plans, developing a National Low Carbon Management Plan, and formulating a Direct Access Strategy. The success of these components relies on the active involvement of Iran’s National Climate Change Working Group (NCCWG) and National Climate Change Finance Committee (NCCFC),” he further noted in his message.Toirov’s message concluded by underscoring the significance of the event, adding “This workshop marks an important milestone in our joint efforts to support Iran’s climate resilience. We hope it becomes a platform for long-term, constructive collaboration—anchored in national ownership and guided by international best practices.”The event drew the participation of key stakeholders, including representatives from government agencies, technical experts, and members of national coordination bodies, reflecting a shared commitment to advancing Iran’s climate agenda through inclusive and coordinated efforts.