Reports

Abstract Due to the ambiguities surrounding the term “annual increment” in Clause (P), Article 15 of the Law on Supporting Families and Youthful Population, and the criticisms of the directive issued by the Administrative and Employment Organization, it appears that the aforementioned directive requires revision. On this basis, it is deemed necessary to prepare an interpretative inquiry about the meaning of "annual increment" to formally seek the explicit opinion of the Islamic Consultative Assembly. Based on conducted reviews and considering the precedent of this concept in the Law on the Unified Payment System for Government Employees, increases in salary and wages through adjustments in grade, level, rank, or incentive base are closer to the legislator’s intent. So, it is proposed that the term be interpreted to mean: “granting one grade/level or rank or incentive base in the event of the birth of the third to fifth child of the employee.”

Abstract Clause 1 of Paragraph (a), Article 3 of the Law on the Objectives, Duties, and Authorities of the Ministry of Sport and Youth refers to the development and expansion of public sports and Clause 1 of Paragraph (a), Article 4 emphasizes actions aimed at enabling various segments of society to benefit from sports programs and activities, in order to realize free physical education for all at every level, in accordance with Subparagraph 3 of Principle (3) of the Constitution of the Islamic Republic of Iran. Furthermore, Clause 25 of Paragraph (a), Article 4 of the same law, enacted on (August 26, 2020), highlights the provision of infrastructure and necessary facilities for public sports with an approach focused on making sports easy, affordable, and accessible to the general public. One of the main responsibilities of the Ministry of Sports and Youth is to promote and universalize sports. Achieving this goal requires comprehensive cooperation from all executive bodies, as that Ministry does not possess all the resources and equipment needed alone. However, based on its assigned duties and authority, the Ministry must act to foster inter-sectoral coordination and sports development. Findings indicate that the Executive By-law of the Law on the Objectives, Duties, and Authorities of the Ministry of Sports and Youth, ratified on March 14, 2023, regarding the development and promotion of public sports, has remained unaddressed, and no specific provision has been issued concerning its implementation. Therefore, the legislative actions taken by the Ministry in this area are deemed insufficient. Moreover, the incomplete allocation of capital asset acquisition funds (approximately 50%) has hindered the development and completion of many sports venues and facilities and Despite efforts and programs such as establishing morning and evening exercise stations, organizing walking events, competitive sports festivals, educational workshops, and television programs, the level of public participation in sports and physical activity remains unsatisfactory in such a way that surveys conducted between 2011 and 2024 reveal that not only is the level of physical activity among various social groups inadequate, but also it falls significantly far from the standards set by the World Health Organization. Therefore, it is recommended that to address the existing challenges regarding the universalization of sports and the low participation of different social groups in physical activity and to increase the per capita availability of sports spaces greater attention should be paid to the productive utilization of state-owned sports assets. Additionally, it is advised to revise and update the Executive Bylaw of the Law on the Goals, Duties, and Authorities of the Ministry of Sports and Youth (ratified on 14 March 2023), with a focus on leveraging the capacities of all executive bodies mentioned in Article 5 of the Civil Service Management Law and military organizations. This would help realize free physical education for all at every level and ensure easy and affordable access for households to physical activity and sports.

Abstract In recent decades, rural management in our country has faced numerous challenges, resulting in the depopulation of villages, rural-to-urban migration, and the transformation of small villages into inefficient towns. One of the key factors that can assist experts in reforming or revising the rules related to villages within the framework of the country's political-administrative divisions is understanding how villages are established and governed in the laws of other countries. In line with this, the present report, while reviewing the historical background of village-related legislation in Indonesia, examines the prevailing laws and regulations concerning the establishment, dissolution, and merger of villages in the mentioned country. Research findings indicate that in Indonesia, the formation of villages is governed by Village Law No. 6 of 2014, its official interpretations, and the corresponding executive regulations. Key criteria for establishing a village include: a minimum age of five years for separating a new village from its parent village; different population thresholds depending on the region; the presence of potential in natural, human, and economic resources; availability of infrastructure and facilities for village governance and public services; and access to operational funds, fixed income, and other allowances for village government staff. Also, the relevant laws and regulations provide a detailed, step-by-step process for the creation, dissolution, and merger of villages. These changes are implemented through regional (provincial) regulations rather than national legislation. Although the establishment of villages through government initiative is possible in special and strategic areas, it must ultimately be stipulated in regional regulations.

Abstract Marriage is one of the most significant life events in society. It not only leads to the formation of families, but the desirability of its indicators also influences the desirability of other vital societal events, including childbearing. Accordingly, this report focuses on the transformations in marriage trends, describes the current status, and examines internal variables affecting mate selection patterns. The goal is to develop strategies to increase the marriage rate, reduce the age of marriage, and lower the rate of singlehood in society. Findings in this report indicate a decline in the proportion of married individuals compared to those who have never married within the marriageable age group. There is also a noticeable rise in the average age of marriage, with age 30 emerging as a turning point for changes in mate selection patterns and attitudes toward family-related marriage indicators. Thus, age at marriage is a key variable influencing other marriage-related indicators in such a way that an increase in marriage age leads to a reduced perceived necessity for marriage, less family involvement in the spouse selection and marriage process of children, and a shift in the age-gap patterns between spouses. More precisely, demographic changes are a major factor in altering societal behavior regarding marriage and even broader social and cultural actions. Therefore, strategic choices aimed at reducing the age of marriage and increasing the marriage rate, promoting cultural awareness around spouse selection skills based on sustainable family criteria, and emphasizing the necessity of marriage and support for remarriage should be prioritized. These goals can be pursued through reforms to the Youth Marriage Facilitation Law, :foucusing on: Providing various financial and non-financial supports in a phased manner aligned with demographic changes to help reduce the age of marriage, Reforming mate selection patterns by leveraging matchmaking centers and intermediaries , Implementing comprehensive policies to reduce internal migration and reverse migration, with a focus on education and employment.

Abstract Climate change, as one of the most critical challenges of the 21st century, has widespread consequences across various dimensions of the world. In response, the international community has recognized climate change as a definitive threat and has expressed its concern through the development of technical, operational, and scientific measures aimed at effective and comprehensive mitigation. "Iran has also demonstrated its concern regarding climate change by taking actions such as joining international climate change conventions."
However, it remains among the countries that have taken limited action at strategic, policy, and planning levels to adapt to climate change. In this regard, Clause (T) of Article 22 of the Seventh Development Plan Law of the Islamic Republic of Iran, as a high-level directive, mandates the Department of Environment alongside relevant agencies to develop a national climate change management plan. This initiative represents a significant step toward addressing climate change.
This report begins with a brief analysis of the most important international climate agreements. It then examines the commitments of various countries, including BRICS and OPEC members such as Iran, in confronting climate change, and offers recommendations in this regard.

Abstract "The housing production market in Iran has historically relied on bank-centered financing, while other housing-related instruments particularly those in the capital market remain relatively unknown." Studying and understanding these tools can unlock significant potential for identifying optimal solutions or outlining a framework through which legal and policy needs can be addressed. In the meeting held on October 11, 2023 , Council of Ministers, based on the proposal of the Ministry of Roads and Urban Development and the Securities and Exchange Organization, and pursuant to Clause 4 of Article (5) of the Housing Production Leap Act (ratified in 2021), approved the executive bylaw for the mentioned article. The aim was to leverage the capital market’s capacity to finance the housing sector and accelerate housing production. This report introduces the capital market’s tools and strategies in this domain, with a particular focus on the Land and Building Fund and Real Estate Investment Funds—two innovative and pivotal instruments in the capital market. It provides a detailed analysis of the nature of these funds and explores their implementation in countries such as China and the United States. Ultimately, the report seeks to answer a critical question: To what extent do these instruments possess the capacity and conditions to meet existing needs? Can the capital market truly untie the knots in housing finance?

Abstract Budgeting consists of four main stages, each of which may include several subcomponents. The primary stages of budgeting is formulation, approval, implementation, and audit. In Canada, the formulation of the budget bill is under the authority of the government entirely, while its approval and enactment into law are carried out by members of the House of Commons. The implementation of the budget, expenditure management and payments, is the responsibility of the Treasury Board. Finally, Budget Audit is conducted by the Auditor General. Canada’s legal and governance system is rooted in the United Kingdom and closely resembles it. Canada operates under a prime ministerial system with a bicameral parliament which is commonly referred to as the Westminster model. In this system, citizens elect members of the House of Commons directly from electoral districts. After the election, the party that secures the majority of seats, forms the government and The Prime Minister and Cabinet are selected from the majority party, which naturally leads to greater political alignment between the executive and legislative branches. Canada’s legal foundation is rooted in the common law system, where customs, practices, and established political conventions often carry more weight than written law. Although the Constitution explicitly grants the legislature the right to control government expenditures, in practice, the executive branch exercises broad authority over budgetary policies and figures. The government has full responsibility and discretion in preparing the budget bill, while the legislature has very limited freedom to amend it. During the budget review process, two key documents are submitted to Parliament: the Budget Speech and the Budget Tables. These serve as the legislative basis and are formally approved by Parliament. Other accompanying documents are primarily informational and assist members in deciding whether to support the government’s budget. The other documents submitted are mostly informational in nature and assist members of Parliament in making informed decisions regarding confidence in the government's budget. Overall, the process of evaluating and approving the budget bill in the Canadian Parliament reflects the limited and passive role of the legislature in the country’s budgeting system. This stems from the scope of parliamentary powers and is further highlighted by the fact that the ruling government holds the majority of seats in the House of Commons. Therefore, even if opposition party members vote to amend or modify the bill, they rarely succeed in making substantial changes due to their lack of majority support. Moreover, since altering or amending the budget is considered a vote of no confidence in the government, Parliament seldom seeks to revise or adjust the budget. Another noteworthy point is that the Constitution Act of 1867 grants broad and exclusive budgetary powers to the government, such that Parliament is not permitted to impose financial obligations on the executive. In Canada, the evaluation of budgetary revenues and expenditures is divided into two separate and independent processes: the assessment of expenditures, which is presented in the form of budget tables, and the assessment of taxes and revenues, which is conducted through a separate bill known as the “financial bill.” This financial bill is reviewed and finalized prior to the submission of the budget tables. It is important to note that the government’s budget ceiling is determined through the financial bill. The review of expenditures for each department or ministry is delegated to specialized parliamentary committees. Each committee decides on the agencies referred to it. Committees are not allowed to increase the proposed expenditures; they may only approve the government’s proposed budget, reduce the expenditures, or reject them entirely. In the case of rejection, the budget is returned to the government for revision in agreement with the committee. Furthermore, committees are not permitted to reallocate budgetary items within government agencies (e.g., shifting funds from operating to capital expenses). They may only raise objections to the plans and projects a government agency intends to implement and request explanations from senior officials. Committees must submit their recommendations to Parliament by May 31. If they fail to do so or delay submission, it is assumed that the committee agrees with the government’s proposed expenditures. It is also worth noting that after parliamentary approval, each agency has the autonomy to reallocate resources among its own projects during budget implementation. In the House of Commons, individual proposals from members are not considered. Instead, the standard procedure allows the opposition party to select two government agencies of its choice and request that its proposals regarding them be debated in the House. In such cases, members allocate four hours of debate time to each selected agency. The opposition’s proposed amendments may be introduced and modified, provided they comply with the established rules concerning the selected agencies’ budgets or operational programs.

Abstract The growth and expansion of tourism facilities play a vital role in the development of both domestic and international tourism in any country. These facilities are essential for meeting the welfare needs of tourists and travelers, particularly in terms of accommodation. The establishment and operation of each tourism facility require obtaining a business license or an operational permit. Generally, the benefits of business licenses include regulatory oversight, addressing market failures, ensuring compliance with necessary standards for business creation, and promoting efficient and controlled use of resources. However, in many cases, business licenses can also create barriers such as complex procedures, unreasonable standards, high costs, unnecessary inquiries, and exclusive licensing practices. The challenges facing the licensing process for tourism facilities in Iran can be broadly categorized into two groups: Challenges in expediting license issuance, include delays in the review and eligibility verification process, time-consuming and costly procedures for obtaining inquiries, and the lack of post-licensing oversight in the monitoring of tourism facilities. Challenges in obstructing issuance, including monopolies in license granting, lack of transparency in the approval process, unclear evaluation criteria for tourism facilities, and interpretability of conditions and regulations. Based on the analysis of findings, the key legislative solutions proposed to address these challenges in facilitating tourism facility licensing include: Adding Note 4 to Article 7 of the 2020 amendment to Articles 1 and 7 of the Law on the Implementation of General Policies of Article 44 of the Constitution, mandating periodic oversight by regulatory bodies on the licensing performance of relevant agencies. Amending Note 3 of Article 7 (Repeated) of the 2022 Law on Facilitating Business Licensing to enhance the performance of the National Center for Business Environment Improvement in issuing automatic licenses when licensing authorities fail to respond within the specified timeframe on the National Licensing Portal. Amending Note 6 to Article 2 of the Amendment to Articles 1 and 7 of the Law on the Implementation of the General Policies of Principle 44 of the Constitution and its subsequent revisions, aimed at reducing the time and cost of inter-agency inquiries and preventing the delegation of inquiry follow-ups to the applicant. In terms of oversight, to ensure proper implementation of the 2022 Law on Facilitating Business Licensing in the tourism sector, it is necessary for the General Inspection Organization of Iran to monitor deviations from the law especially in cases that lead to monopolies or unlawful exclusion of other applicants from the tourism facility market and report violators to judicial authorities. Also, in the implementation domain, it is necessary for the Ministry of Cultural Heritage, Tourism, and Handicrafts to reduce its focus on centralized ex-ante actor-based oversight, and instead prioritize various forms of ex-post oversight, including: decentralized actor-based oversight through public and community monitoring; centralized actor-based oversight through the development of monitoring-related businesses; and non-actor-based oversight by aligning interests and incentives.

Abstract Evaluating the performance of debt management is a fundamental prerequisite for improving and advancing this domain. To conduct a proper assessment, it is essential to identify the key and influential dimensions of debt management and to develop a clear understanding of the optimal state. The World Bank has introduced a set of indicators for evaluating debt management performance and has outlined minimum requirements for each relevant dimension. By applying these indicators, it becomes possible to compare the current state of national debt management with the desired benchmarks, thereby identifying strengths and weaknesses. One of the current challenges is the absence of a comprehensive legal framework, which is expected to be resolved soon with the ratification of the Public Debt Management Bill by the Islamic Consultative Assembly (Parliament). Formulating short- and medium-term debt management strategies and defining financing mechanisms based on these strategies is a critical aspect that must be prioritized, along with the development of necessary processes and institutional structures. Another key issue in debt management is government liquidity management. In this regard, it is necessary to set a target level of cash reserves, accurately forecast liquidity flows, and implement appropriate measures to ensure the achievement of the targeted levels. Regular issuance of government securities is another important matter that requires reform. Establishing and adhering to a securities issuance calendar is a vital step in this direction.

Abstract Trust in domestic information and communication technology (ICT) services is a key driver of digitalization and the development of the ICT industry in the country. Data protection revolves around regulations that enhance public confidence in the fair and responsible use and storage of their personal data. An analysis of data protection laws in the United States reveals that these laws can be broadly categorized into two groups: those related to the public sector and those governing the private sector. A review of U.S. public sector data protection legislation shows that compliance by government agencies with privacy standards is not limited to the enactment of permanent or substantive laws. Rather, ongoing efforts are embedded in development plans and annual budget laws to establish frameworks and ensure alignment of executive agencies with privacy and data protection standards. On the other hand, excessive restrictions on data collection by the public sector have, in some cases, led to irreversible dependence on private companies, which has complicated decision-making in favor of national interests. In contrast, general data protection laws in the private sector provide enhanced safeguards for vulnerable groups such as children and individuals in sensitive professions like journalism. Additionally, in sectors such as healthcare and finance where data sensitivity is particularly high—more rigorous regulatory standards have been implemented.

Abstract Given the repeated emphasis by the Supreme Leader in recent years on transitioning toward a production-based economy as a pillar of the second phase of the Islamic Revolution—and the designation of this year as the year of the “Production Leap with Public Participation”—analyzing the relationship between production growth and the state of the environment has become imperative. Based on previous national studies, this relationship can be examined through two complementary approaches: a monitoring-based approach and an opportunity-based approach. Most of the environmental laws and regulations enacted in the country have focused on the monitoring-based approach, including environmental impact assessments of development projects and the imposition of pollution-related charges and penalties. Alongside this, there are numerous opportunities to move toward a sustainable and green economy, such as improving industrial efficiency, fostering international cooperation to facilitate technology transfer and development, reforming production processes and technologies, completing value chains within the national economic cycle, and generating added value from waste. This report, considering the country’s current conditions for achieving a production leap in harmony with environmental requirements, proposes several strategies: establishing pollution mitigation clinics for industries; strengthening financial and economic mechanisms to enhance efficiency and resource optimization through the creation of an energy and environmental optimization market; leveraging opportunities and incentives from BRICS membership; ensuring sustainable utilization of marine ecosystem capacities and resources; implementing a circular economy through transparent mechanisms for developing a waste market with private sector participation; and preparing an atlas of authorized businesses along with a location-based operational map.

Abstract The esteemed Guardian Council, in its opinion regarding the resolution passed by the Islamic Consultative Assembly on the "Preferential Trade Agreement between the Government of the Islamic Republic of Iran and the Government of the Republic of Indonesia," has identified three instances of nonconformity (objections) and issued one advisory note. To address the concerns raised by the Guardian Council, it is proposed that a clause be added under the single article to stipulate the requirement of trustworthiness for representatives of the Islamic Republic of Iran. It appears that the existing clause under the single article, which emphasizes compliance with Articles 77, 125, and 139 of the Constitution, sufficiently addresses the Council’s second objection. Furthermore, in accordance with Article 15 of the Constitution, the terms referenced by the Guardian Council must be stated in Persian.

Abstract The Islamic Consultative Assembly inherently embodies the identity of representing the people, an identity manifested through its two principal functions: legislation and oversight. This paper focuses on the latter oversight and elevates the concept to a higher-level framework known as evaluation. It explores one of the key evaluation models that the Parliament’s Oversight Deputy is capable of implementing, given its temporal, financial, informational, and bureaucratic capacities. The goal-free evaluation approach, unlike goal-based evaluation which examines the extent and quality of achieving legislative objectives, concentrates on the actual effects of legislation. Undoubtedly, this approach is sensitive to assessing both the unintended positive and negative consequences of lawmaking. This report introduces the goal-free evaluation model and, by offering recommendations regarding the current structure of the Parliament’s Oversight Deputy and its mechanisms for engaging other parliamentary bodies—such as the Research Center—emphasizes the importance of enhancing the effectiveness of oversight and evaluation efforts.

Abstract Due to the failure to meet the quorum for membership in the Judicial and Legal Commission and the Cultural Commission during the twelfth term of the Islamic Consultative Assembly, the “Draft Amendment to Article 38 of the Internal Regulations of the Islamic Consultative Assembly,” registered under number 32, was formally introduced. After review in the relevant commission, the draft was approved in the parliamentary session with certain amendments. The Guardian Council deemed the provision delegating the authority to determine the minimum number of commission members to the designated body as inconsistent with Article 85 of the Constitution. To address this concern, the Internal Regulations Commission authorized a joint body comprising the Assembly’s Presidium and the Internal Regulations Commission to reduce the minimum number of members in commissions to ten, should quorum not be met. Although this amendment resolves the Guardian Council’s objection, it may undermine the quality and persuasiveness of commission decisions, particularly in cases involving delegated review of experimental laws and the permanent approval of statutes under Article 85. Therefore, in accordance with the Internal Regulations of the Assembly, it is recommended that the minimum quorum for commissions be revised to at least sixteen members.

Abstract Environmental pollutants can be categorized into two groups: conventional and emerging. Pollutants for which identification and monitoring guidelines exist, and permissible environmental limits have been established, are referred to as conventional pollutants. Pollutants for which identification and monitoring guidelines exist, and permissible limits have been established, are referred to as conventional pollutants. On the other hand, the term emerging pollutants applies to any natural or anthropogenic chemical substance or microorganism that is not typically monitored in the environment but has the potential to enter ecosystems and cause known or suspected adverse effects on the environment or human health. A review of existing national legislation reveals that, despite general references to air, water, and soil pollutants, emerging pollutants have not received adequate attention. This lack of focus in policymaking for such pollutants has led to health, environmental, and even economic consequences for the country. Findings from the present study indicate several challenges in managing emerging pollutants, including: -insufficient laboratory infrastructure, -absence of a comprehensive strategy for screening, assessment, monitoring, prohibition, reduction, and treatment, -lack of a structured timeline for revising standards, laws, and regulations, -underutilization of research centers and expert opinions, -overreliance on translated foreign scientific texts, -absence of a centralized  database on emerging pollutants, and -inadequate public awareness and communication within the country.

Abstract The draft amendment to Notes 6 and 13 of the National Budget Law for the year (2024 –2025) was submitted to the Guardian Council following its approval by the Islamic Consultative Assembly. Due to this amendment, loss-making companies with accumulated losses or break-even status listed in Annex No. 3 of the law, as well as companies whose expenses exceed their total profit by more than one percent (1%), are exempted from the scope of Paragraph (b) of Note 13 in Part One of the National Budget Law for 2024 –2025. The Guardian Council has found ambiguity in the proposed amendment to Notes 6 and 13 of the National Budget Law for the year 2024 –2025, citing concerns over budgetary imbalance caused by reduced resources for funding the appropriations outlined in Paragraph (b) of Note 13, while the figures in Table 12 of this law remain unchanged. It appears that this ambiguity has been resolved by the Economic Commission of the Islamic Consultative Assembly through a provision stating that the expenditures related to this paragraph shall be aligned with actual revenues collected.

Abstract One of the ways to accelerate industrial development is to draw on the experiences and lessons learned from other countries. Studies indicate that the Chinese government has employed a range of industrial, trade, and technological policies to advance its automotive industry that include limiting the number of domestic automakers to ensure economies of scale, partnering with international companies and granting them access to the Chinese market in exchange for technology transfer, gradually adjusting tariffs following accession to the World Trade Organization, utilizing foreign investment to acquire shares and facilitate the transfer of knowledge and technology, and investing in emerging technologies. Based on China’s experience, it can be concluded that automotive industry development should become a national priority. That means a strategic plan should be formulated for the industry, incorporating goal-setting aligned with its manufacturing capacity and international relations, along with a regulatory framework that includes a clear timeline and appropriate budgeting. Furthermore, three policy recommendations can be drawn from China’s experience: First, domestic automakers can leverage partnership opportunities with international companies; however, special attention must be given to technology transfer and the development of a robust domestic parts supply system. Second, national resources held abroad can be utilized to acquire shares in foreign automotive companies and enable technology transfer through overseas investment. Third, the capacities of automotive-related institutions and professional associations can be utilized more efficiently.

Abstract In 2017, the Islamic Consultative Assembly (Parliament of Iran) passed the “Law on Preventing and Combating Fraud in the Preparation of Scientific Works” to address scientific misconduct that Article 9 of this law focuses on plagiarism detection and the mandatory registration of theses, dissertations, and research proposals in the Iranian Research Institute for Information Science and Technology (IranDoc). This article outlines two key strategies for preventing academic misconduct: the first is similarity detection, and the second is the centralized collection of all academic documents in a national repository (IranDoc) to enhance the effectiveness of similarity analysis. However, a clear contradiction arises in the implementation of this centralized approach. While the law designates IranDoc as the responsible authority, the executive bylaw ambiguously refers to “institutions equivalent to IranDoc,” which has led to the emergence of parallel entities. As a result, not only has the performance in similarity detection and registration of academic documents been weak, but the necessary infrastructure for transferring and registering information in IranDoc according to standards has also faced significant challenges. This issue remains unresolved despite amendments to the executive bylaw by the Cabinet. The present report examines this challenge and the lack of data and information integration in the country’s scientific landscape in light of the aforementioned problem.

Abstract Over more than half a century of housing policy planning, most governmental strategies and support programs outlined in specific housing and urban development laws as well as various related sectoral regulations have failed to adequately address the challenges faced by low-income and disadvantaged groups. This failure is largely due to the ambiguity surrounding the extent of support provided and the lack of approaches tailored to the specific temporal and spatial needs of these populations. In some cases, the absence of integration and coherent management in the implementation of low-income housing programs has led to the allocation of substantial resources and funding to central administrative bodies, with efforts focused primarily on planning rather than execution. The applicant screening and filtering processes in supportive housing schemes following the Mehr Housing Project have closely resembled those of the original initiative, with only partial differences in detail. The National Housing Movement Plan has also been monitored and evaluated by the Research Center of the Islamic Consultative Assembly since the enactment of the Housing Production Leap Act. Various reports have examined its different dimensions. Accordingly, this report compares all three initiatives Mehr Housing, National Housing Action, and the National Housing Movement in terms of applicant screening and filtering, and conducts a diagnostic analysis of the structure and details of this model to enable a clearer understanding of the issues and pave the way for addressing its shortcomings.

Abstract Private equity investment is one of the key methods of corporate financing that has been established for decades in developed countries. The primary function of these institutions is to provide financial support to companies, particularly those facing unfavorable financial conditions. In recent years, this financing mechanism has been introduced into Iran’s financial system, specifically within the capital market. The development of private equity aims to facilitate participatory financing, increase the share of non-bank funding, support capital formation, specialize corporate operations, and offer technical services alongside financial support. It also seeks to create a framework for mobilizing public capital toward activities in the real sector of the economy. Although private equity funds have been established in Iran’s capital market, it is essential to further develop and deepen this industry to fully realize its potential benefits within the economic and financial system. To improve the performance of the private equity sector, two key reforms are proposed: 1. Strengthening exit strategies for private equity investments, enabling smoother and more flexible divestment options. 2.Allowing capital increases by private equity funds, to enhance their financial capacity and investment reach. One of the untapped opportunities in this sector, which could also benefit the government, is leveraging private equity funds in the divestiture of loss-making state-owned enterprises. The Law on the Implementation of the General Policies of Article 44 of the Constitution permits such transfers, but procedural reforms are needed to make this feasible and effective.

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Abstract Natural disasters such as earthquakes, floods, and viral pandemics have existed throughout history and are now increasing due to various factors. The occurrence of a crisis disrupts normal life and creates challenges for both citizens and authorities. Therefore, disaster management is considered a critical function in most governments. To explore international experiences, this report focuses on disaster management in Indonesia a country frequently affected by natural hazards. Indonesia’s vulnerability to disasters has led to the accumulation of extensive management experience. The foundation of this study is the country’s Disaster Management Law. Findings indicate that crisis management in Indonesia is a governmental priority and part of the national agenda. The National Disaster Management Agency (BNPB) has been established under the President’s authority, with a status equivalent to that of a ministry. It serves as the principal governing body for crisis management across all phases. In line with Indonesia’s decentralized approach, regional disaster management agencies have been created at local levels. These agencies are responsible for all stages of disaster response within their respective jurisdictions. However, their activities alongside regional governments have led to challenges related to overlapping responsibilities during disaster response. Both national and regional disaster management agencies in Indonesia are involved not only in operational management but also in policymaking and strategic planning. Crisis management in Indonesia is predominantly state-driven, with the defense sector playing a prominent role especially during the response phase. Disaster management funding is allocated across all levels of government and regional units, and various financial instruments have been designed to address fiscal challenges in this domain. Indonesia’s dominant paradigm in crisis planning is prevention.

Abstract Resilience is a key concept in the field of urban sustainability and development. According to the United Nations Office for Disaster Risk Reduction (UNDRR), resilience refers to the ability of systems, communities, or human settlements exposed to hazards to resist, absorb, adapt to, and recover from the effects of those hazards in a timely and efficient manner, through the preservation and restoration of essential structures and functions. A city that adheres to the principles of urban resilience is capable of rapid recovery and returning to its pre-crisis state. Natural disasters such as floods, earthquakes, storms, and tsunamis have consistently caused significant human and financial losses, and they remain among the most critical challenges facing urban societies. These hazards can inflict severe damage on urban infrastructure and facilities, destroy national assets and investments, and disrupt foundational urban systems particularly in large metropolitan areas. Given the increasing population density and urban concentration, and the shift in philosophy from mere prevention toward resilience, enhancing urban resilience especially of critical infrastructure has become one of the most strategic and essential approaches in responding to natural disasters in major cities. This report reviews the current state of natural hazards in Iran and provides a diagnostic analysis of the country’s crisis management system. It identifies key challenges and offers policy and management recommendations in the areas of planning and implementation, aimed at strengthening urban resilience.

Abstract Institutional convergence is one of the key prerequisites for effective regulation in water resource management and is considered a core indicator of good water governance. Its proper implementation can lead either to the sustainability or unsustainability of water systems. This paper adopts a descriptive-analytical approach to evaluate the degree of convergence in water policymaking and legislation between the government and the Islamic Consultative Assembly (Parliament) as Iran’s two principal institutions. To assess this dynamic, the study examines the main viewpoints and concerns of both institutions during the enactment of several key water-related laws, including: The Law on Equitable Distribution of Water (1982), The Law on Transforming Provincial Water Departments into Regional Water Companies (2005), The Single-Article Amendment Law (2005) , The Law on the Legalization of Unlicensed Water Wells (2010). Analysis of the legislative debates surrounding these laws reveals that parliamentary proposals in the water sector primarily focused on facilitating groundwater extraction. In contrast, government-proposed bills emphasized reducing fiscal burdens, downsizing, and streamlining governmental responsibilities. Even in cases where partial policy convergence existed such as the law converting departments into companies it did not align with the goals of sustainability or water resource protection. Moreover, although the rhetoric of justice was present in the legislative process, the justice indicators considered were limited, and a form of “anti-ecological justice” was embedded within the laws.

Abstract The concept of revolutionary reconstruction of the cultural structure was first introduced by the Supreme Leader during his initial meeting with the members of the 13th government in 2021. This theme was reiterated the following year in a gathering of the members of the Supreme Council of the Cultural Revolution. In line with this, in 2023, the Office for Education and Culture Studies at the Research Center of the Islamic Consultative Assembly published a report titled “Conceptual Framework for the Revolutionary Reconstruction of the Country’s Cultural Structure”, aiming to outline the conceptual foundations of this initiative based on the intellectual systems of Imam Khomeini and the Supreme Leader. That report presented an initial framework centered on the overarching goal of establishing an Islamic government, and accordingly, defined the role and positioning of cultural institutions. The current report builds upon that foundation by identifying the key challenges facing the cultural sector. These include the lack of a comprehensive perspective on culture, weak conceptual frameworks within cultural institutions, inadequate evaluation of the impacts of cultural decisions, and the dominance of bureaucratic rationality over cultural innovation. Following the identification of these challenges, several essential measures have been proposed. Among them is the need for consensus on the Cultural Engineering Map as a strategic roadmap among cultural institutions. Furthermore, the Supreme Council of the Cultural Revolution must assume a central role as the command center for revolutionary reconstruction. A key requirement for this role is the consolidation of data and information to enable monitoring and oversight, particularly for designing composite indicators of cultural conditions. Additionally, the budgeting system must shift from an institution-centered model to a mission-oriented framework. It is also necessary to leverage the untapped capacities that exist across various governmental bodies.

Abstract This report provides a comprehensive and practical overview of methods for collecting data on impoverished populations, various targeting mechanisms for identifying the needy, and eligibility assessment techniques used in social support programs. Drawing on authoritative sources, the report aims to examine all existing targeting mechanisms and introduce the requirements, implementation conditions, and characteristics of each method. The key findings of the study are as follows: 1. argeting the needy is a fundamental requirement for enhancing the effectiveness of support programs. 2. A review of identification methods reveals that the appropriate approach depends on the type of support program, available resources and data, and the specific poverty conditions within the target society. Moreover, combining different targeting methods can significantly improve their overall effectiveness. 3. An examination of successful international experiences in poverty reduction confirms that most support programs are implemented in a targeted manner, with eligibility determined through integrated and comprehensive targeting systems.

Abstract One of the key provisions aimed at enhancing family welfare and improving the purchasing power of employed individuals for meeting household needs embedded in both the Civil Service Management Law and the Social Security Law is the obligation to pay child allowances. It is important to note that under Clause 4 of Article 68 of the Civil Service Management Law, family and child allowances are granted as two separate benefits to male employees, retirees, and pensioners covered by the law who have a spouse, as well as to female employees without a spouse or with a disabled or incapacitated spouse. In contrast, the Social Security Law addresses only the child allowance under the term “family assistance” in Article 86, applying equally to men and women, without any provision for marital status. Thus, under the Social Security Law, families receive assistance solely in relation to the birth of children, and the term “family assistance” refers exclusively to child allowance. Article 86 of the Social Security Law stipulates that family assistance is paid provided that: The insured individual has at least 720 days (two years) of insurance contribution history; The children are under 18 years of age, or are exclusively engaged in education until its completion, or are unable to work due to illness or disability as certified by the medical commissions referenced in Article 91 of the law; The amount of family assistance equals three times the minimum daily wage of an unskilled worker in various regions, per child, per month. A notable point regarding this article is that, prior to 2021, family assistance was limited to a maximum of two children and did not apply to all offspring. However, with the enactment of the Family Support and Youth Population Promotion Law in 2021, and specifically Article 73 of that law, this restriction was repealed. Currently, there is no limit on the number of children eligible for family assistance. Clause 1 of Article 86 states that an employee subject to the Social Security Law must have at least 720 days of insurance contributions to receive the child allowance. This contrasts with the Civil Service Management Law, which imposes no such condition; eligibility for child allowance depends solely on the type of employment contract, regardless of insurance history. Accordingly, Article 86 of the Social Security Law has led to the exclusion of workers without the specified insurance history from receiving family assistance (child allowance), despite having legal employment contracts. Given that the purpose of child allowance is to support childbearing and offset part of the costs associated with raising children, the current version of Article 86 contradicts: Article 10 of the Constitution, Clause 8 of the General Policies on Social Security, Clause 2 of the General Policies on Population, all of which emphasize support for families and childbearing. Moreover, denying child allowance to individuals lacking two years of insurance contributions constitutes unjust discrimination, as this benefit is intended to enhance the welfare of those covered by the Social Security Law and should not be contingent on contribution history especially since such a condition does not exist in the Civil Service Management Law. Based on these arguments, the government has submitted a draft bill to Parliament to align Article 86 with Article 73 of the Family Support and Youth Population Promotion Law (2021) and to eliminate certain restrictions on child allowance payments to workers. The proposed amendment reads: Government Draft Bill – Single Article – Amendment to the Preamble and Clause 1 of Article 86 of the Social Security Law (1975): “Article 86 – Family assistance shall be paid for all children of the insured individual, provided that: 1.The insured has a minimum of 30 days of insurance contribution history.”

Abstract In June-July 2024, the production index and the sales index of listed industrial companies experienced a decrease of 3.5% and 5.4%, respectively, compared to the same month last year. Compared to the previous month, these indices decreased by 8% and 8.9%, respectively. In June-July 2024, the production and sales indices for the automotive and parts sector decreased by 18% and 19.1%, respectively, compared to the same month last year. Compared to the previous month, the production and sales indices decreased by 20.2% and 6.2%, respectively. Furthermore, the production and sales indices for the basic metals sector decreased by 7.6% and 11.1%, respectively, compared to the same month last year. Compared to the previous month, the production and sales indices decreased by 15.2% and 17.6%, respectively. In June-July 2024, the monthly growth rate of prices for listed industrial activities increased by 1.4%. The year-on-year growth rate increased by 5.2 percentage points compared to the previous month, reaching 26%. It is worth noting that the annual average of the price index for listed industrial activities in Tir 1403 increased by 2.3 percentage points compared to the previous month, showing a 24.1% increase.

Abstract Nowadays, the study of leading economic indicators holds significant importance. These indicators assist governments and private sector decision-makers in better evaluating their performance and planning future activities. In recent years, several countries have turned to survey-based indexing to improve their economic indicator systems. Among these indicators is the Consumer Confidence Index (CCI), which measures consumers’ optimism regarding the overall state of the economy and their personal financial situation. This index is derived from a combination of two sub-indices: the Current Economic Conditions Index (CECI) and the Consumer Expectations Index (CEI), both based on consumer surveys. Opinions about current conditions account for 40% of the index, while expectations about future conditions make up the remaining 60%. The Consumer Confidence Index is based on the idea that when consumers are optimistic about the future, they are more likely to spend in the present, thereby stimulating the economy. Conversely, when consumers are pessimistic, they tend to save more, which can lead to economic slowdown. In addition to interpreting household views on future economic conditions, the CCI helps producers, investors, and policymakers anticipate and adapt to changes in household consumption and saving patterns. This index is currently calculated and published in most countries around the world. Given the importance and wide applicability of the Consumer Confidence Index, the Research Center of the Islamic Consultative Assembly (Parliament of Iran) began conducting economic sentiment surveys in autumn 2021 to calculate this index in Iran. The related concepts and calculation methodology are discussed in detail in the present report.

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