A meeting of the Supreme Cultural Revolution Council on Tuesday discussed a UN education plan that has subjected President Hassan Rouhani, whose government signed it during his first term, to sharp criticism from conservative camps studded with his political opponents.
The United Nation's 193 member-states unanimously agreed in August 2015 on a new Sustainable Development Agenda with 17 goals to be reached by 2030.
It charts out development targets for world nations and commits UN members to mobilizing domestic resources to help attain the goals.
The goals cover a wide range of political and socioeconomic issues, including poverty, hunger, gender equality, industrialization, sustainable development, full employment, human rights, quality education, climate change and sustainable energy for all.
The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization has proposed the Education 2030 plan to "ensure inclusive and equitable quality education and promote lifelong learning opportunities for all," as called for in the 2030 Agenda.
In the run-up to the May 19 presidential elections, Rouhani's conservative rivals seized upon the initiative, seen as a legacy of his first term, and denounced it as being in "conflict with Islamic values."
They specifically singled out the plan's promotion of gender equality in education.
Despite the barrage of attacks from opponents and their media outlets, Rouhani was reelected with more than 57% of the vote.
***Corrupting Culture
Leader of Islamic Revolution Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei also publicly criticized the document for promoting and dictating corruptive western culture.
"In this country, the basis is Islam and the Qur'an. This is not a place where the faulty, corrupt and destructive western lifestyle will be allowed to spread. It makes no sense to accept such a document in the Islamic Republic," the Leader said on the eve of the crucial election.
"How can a so-called international body which is under the influence of big powers have the liberty to assign duties for countries with different histories, cultures and civilizations?"
Rouhani vowed in the Tuesday meeting that his government will safeguard Islamic values and cultural norms during the implementation of the UNESCO plan, his official website reported.
"Naturally, the West and even the East seek to promote and impose their cultures and lifestyles. We need to close ranks with Muslim countries and those with similar cultures to defend and safeguard our religious beliefs and national culture," the president said.
Rouhani made reference to the non-binding nature of UNESCO's proposals and said his government has made clear that it reserves the right to reject parts of the plan that contradict "our religious, legal and cultural norms".
