The three-day International Autumn School on Empowering Health Managers in Global Health Diplomacy concluded at the Center for Excellence in Global Health at Tehran University of Medical Sciences (TUMS), highlighting the importance of scientific diplomacy, international networking, and emerging technologies in addressing shared health challenges.

The closing ceremony was held on Tuesday, November 3, 2026 (13 Aban 1405), with the participation of senior health system officials, academics, and experts in diplomacy. The three-day program featured expert discussions, workshops, and simulated negotiations, providing a platform to explore the role of global health diplomacy in strengthening international cooperation and responding to cross-border health challenges.

Health Diplomacy as a Strategic Tool for Global Cooperation

Opening the ceremony, Dr. Marjan Yaghmaie, Director of International Relations at TUMS, reviewed the key discussions from the second day of the school and emphasized that health extends far beyond the boundaries of medical practice.

“Health is now a key component of national security, international cooperation, sustainable development, and even global peace,” she noted.

Dr. Yaghmaie highlighted four major themes addressed during the program, including the cross-border nature of health threats, the role of diplomacy in building trust amid political constraints, health system preparedness and resilience, and the need for equitable resource distribution and regional cooperation.

Drawing on the historical example of smallpox eradication during the Cold War, she noted that health diplomacy can serve as a strategic bridge for cooperation even when political relations are constrained. She also referred to the role of the Pasteur Institute of Iran in managing the COVID-19 crisis as an example of institutional preparedness and resilience.

She further stressed that global health governance requires collective responses to shared challenges, including antimicrobial resistance and climate change.

Emphasizing the need to move beyond dialogue toward joint action and tangible outcomes, Dr. Yaghmaie said that the success of university internationalization should not be measured solely by the number of memoranda of understanding or academic visits. Rather, its impact should be assessed in terms of improvements in education, knowledge production, and public health.

Systems Thinking, Evidence, and Strategic Engagement

The third day's expert sessions explored the practical and strategic dimensions of global health diplomacy.

Dr. Leila Doshman-Gir, Dean of the School of Public Health at Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, discussed systems thinking and the importance of a holistic approach to managing health crises in an increasingly interconnected world.

Building on this perspective, Dr. Ali Akbar Haghdoost, Head of the Institute for Futures Studies in Health in Kerman, addressed the role of strategic communication among senior health officials. He emphasized the importance of engaging Iranian experts abroad and developing substantive partnerships beyond symbolic memoranda of understanding.

Dr. Shahin Akhondzadeh, Deputy Minister of Health for Research and Technology, examined the country's international research collaborations through statistical evidence. He emphasized that achieving scientific leadership requires stronger global engagement, as well as addressing domestic barriers and restrictions arising from scientific sanctions.

Dr. Arman Zargaran, Deputy for Education and Research at the School of Traditional Medicine and International Affairs Officer at the Ministry of Health's Deputy for Research and Technology, described international scientific collaboration as an important means of addressing funding gaps, improving research quality, and increasing global impact.

Scientific Diplomacy and the Role of International Institutions

The sessions also examined how scientific collaboration can foster constructive relations across national and political boundaries.

Dr. Mohammad Hossein Nekoofar, a faculty member of the School of Dentistry, discussed different dimensions of science diplomacy, describing science as a shared language that can strengthen trust and constructive engagement between countries despite political tensions.

Dr. Mashyaneh Haddadi, Adviser to the WHO Representative in Iran, addressed emerging cross-border health challenges and the need for collective responses and shared resource management. Referring to international frameworks, including the International Health Regulations (IHR) and the Pandemic Agreement, she highlighted the role of health diplomacy in facilitating global engagement.

Internationalization of Higher Education and Emerging Technologies

Another major theme was the internationalization of higher education. Dr. Enayat Shabani, a professor in the Department of Foreign Language Education at the International College of TUMS, described internationalization as an ongoing and dynamic process rather than a final outcome. He emphasized the importance of recognizing cultural differences and translating theoretical approaches into practical action.

Dr. Mohammad Hosseini Moghadam, Secretary of the Artificial Intelligence Futures Studies Consortium, discussed the rapid transformation of emerging technologies and highlighted the potential of artificial intelligence to improve individual productivity and support data-driven decision-making in health systems. He also cautioned against excessive student dependence on machines.

Concluding this section, Dr. Ali Jafarian, Acting Deputy Minister of Health for Education, discussed the concepts of science diplomacy and science for diplomacy. Referring to TUMS's experience and participation in international forums, including the World Health Summit, he described active engagement in global academic networks as a key strategy for strengthening the country's scientific and health standing internationally.

Building a Sustainable International Academic Environment

In the final part of the ceremony, Dr. Kourosh Jafarian, TUMS Vice President for International Affairs, thanked the faculty members and international affairs colleagues who had contributed to the three-day program. He then addressed the challenges facing health diplomacy, identifying the gap between academic life and active participation in the international arena as a major obstacle.

He noted that despite the country's strong pool of health researchers and academics, financial and personal constraints often limit their effective participation in international activities.

As part of efforts to address these challenges, Dr. Kourosh Jafarian referred to the International Performance-Based Incentive Scheme, which is nearing finalization and is intended to provide financial and professional support for faculty members.

He also emphasized the importance of coordination with political and security institutions to establish a shared understanding of international engagement. Highlighting the role of healthcare professionals in shaping the country's international image, he said that treating international patients with respect and dignity and ensuring that they leave with a positive experience represents one of the most meaningful contributions to health diplomacy.

Four Principles for Advancing Global Health Engagement

At the closing ceremony, Dr. Amirhossein Takian, Head of the Center for Excellence in Global Health, identified four fundamental principles for success in scientific and international engagement: insight, trust, sustainability, and accountability.

Referring to major initiatives previously hosted by the Center, including the International Congress on Sustainable Development, he emphasized that sustaining such efforts requires continuous support, as well as close monitoring and recognition of the contributions of faculty members, researchers, and students.

In his concluding remarks, Dr. Takian expressed appreciation to all participants and university colleagues who contributed to the three-day school. He described the active involvement of faculty members as a valuable asset for strengthening academic networks and enhancing the university's international standing.

The Autumn School concluded with a renewed emphasis on translating scientific dialogue into sustained partnerships, practical cooperation, and meaningful contributions to global health.