As part of efforts to strengthen academic engagement with urban authorities and expand the participation of international students in academic and research activities, a meeting was held on Saturday, 17 October, at Tehran Municipality between representatives of the International Relations Center of Kharazmi University and the Tehran Urban Research and Planning Center. The meeting focused on exploring potential areas of cooperation between the Center and international students from leading public universities in Tehran, including Kharazmi University, the University of Tehran, Sharif University of Technology, and Amirkabir University of Technology, particularly in urban affairs.

The meeting was attended by Dr. Shamsipour, Head of the Tehran Urban Research and Planning Center; Dr. Farrokhi and Dr. Abbasi, Directors of the Center’s Talent Affairs and International Affairs divisions, respectively; and representatives of Kharazmi University, including Dr. Shams from the University’s International Relations Center. Representatives of the University’s international student body from China, Syria, Iraq, and Afghanistan also attended the meeting and shared their perspectives on international students’ concerns and needs, as well as opportunities for their involvement in activities related to urban governance and management.

During the meeting, the participants discussed ways to leverage the academic expertise and specialized knowledge of international students in research projects addressing urban issues. Potential avenues for engagement with the International Affairs Division of the Tehran Urban Research and Planning Center were also explored, with a view to supporting students’ participation in academic and research initiatives.

These consultations were undertaken to strengthen links between universities and urban authorities, identify opportunities for collaboration, and create the conditions for more effective participation by international students in studies and research addressing urban challenges.