Leader of Islamic Revolution Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei on Wednesday reiterated his opposition to the spread of western influence in Iran's educational system and programs.
"The core of the 2030 [UNESCO] document—a significant part of which is related to education—is that the education system should be devised in a way that lessons on philosophy, lifestyle and the meaning of life are taught to children and adolescents based on western principles," the Leader was quoted as saying by his website.
He made the statements in a speech to a gathering of educators in Tehran ahead of National Teachers Day—which is celebrated on Thursday—in reference to an educational plan proposed by the United Nations.
The Education 2030 plan, which is being promoted by the world body's Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), was adopted at the World Education Forum in 2015.
President Hassan Rouhani had sought the implementation of the guidelines stipulated in the document on the presumption that the recommendations are not in contradiction with the country's national or religious values.
However, his efforts hit a snag when he faced strong opposition from authorities and politicians who argue that the plan paves the way for foreigners to infiltrate into the educational system, promoting and spreading western lifestyle and values in Iran.
Ayatollah Khamenei reiterated his skepticism of the proposed education policy, saying that western teachings would leave a negative impact on students' mind and soul.
He said the Islamic Republic should be looking at domestic potential rather than looking overseas to improve the education system.
Livelihood Issues
The Leader hailed the role of teachers in the country's scientific and technological progress, noting that their livelihood problems should be resolved.
He criticized ill-wishers' attempts to advance their agenda by taking advantage of educators' demands for improved working conditions and called for vigilance against such plots.
Teachers, truck drivers, farmers, workers and merchants have held sporadic protests in Iran, fueled by anger over economic grievances intensified by the reimposition of US sanctions, particularly on its oil industry.
The Leader said enemies are seeking to harm Iran's interests through "political, economic and soft war" tactics in all areas.
"The Americans and Zionists keep hatching schemes [against Iran]. However, this was a strategy pursued by previous US administrations as well. The difference is that they were doing it with a velvet glove, but the current US president has removed the velvet glove, and everyone is seeing America's iron fist underneath. He has actually done us a favor," he said.
Ayatollah Khamenei also urged unity among people and officials, saying that differences of opinion should not be allowed to undermine national unity that is necessary for foiling enemies' plots.
