Reports

Abstract The Minimum Age Convention is a treaty adopted by the International Labour Organization (ILO) in 1973. According to its provisions, countries are free to set the minimum age for employment at 15 years and may temporarily declare 14 years for a special period. The convention permits the employment of children aged 13 to 15 for light work that is not harmful to their health and does not interfere with their schooling. Additionally, a minimum age of 18 is set for work that poses risks to the physical and mental health of workers. A comparison of the convention's provisions with domestic laws reveals that the Labour Law of the Islamic Republic of Iran has established regulations for the protection of child and adolescent labor over three decades ago, which can be considered among the most progressive labor rights laws even by current international standards. The findings of this report indicate that the norms established in the country's domestic laws regarding the minimum age for work are significantly more protective and stringent than the recommendations in Convention No. 138. In this context, considering the high adaptability of the convention's provisions to domestic laws and the importance of ratifying this convention as one of the eight fundamental conventions of the ILO, along with some minor discrepancies noted in the report and the possibilities for aligning labor laws in the country with the convention's provisions, the ratification of the mentioned bill is recommended.

Abstract The social domain of companies faces three categories of activities and actions. The first category involves inherent social responsibilities, such as insuring workers of a company. The second category deals with compensatory responsibilities for damages incurred. The third category includes voluntary responsibilities that some companies undertake for the advancement of their community and the development of their brand in the path of common good. The area of social responsibility of an organization primarily falls under the second and then the third category. In Iran, various challenges hinder the fulfillment of a company's social responsibilities. A significant portion of Iran's economy is managed by state-owned and quasi-state companies, leading to the issue of social responsibility in this ecosystem creating political relationships. Additionally, the inclination of some officials and companies towards charitable activities has resulted in neglecting the prevention and mitigation of negative impacts of companies, especially in the environmental domain. Furthermore, some companies, particularly loss-making state-owned enterprises, have attempted to cover their operational weaknesses through performative actions. Therefore, the draft law supporting the participation of legal entities in balanced development, which is the result of social dialogues and synergy among experts, has been formulated with the following features: 1. Coordination between the company's brand development and community development; 2. Appropriate regulation among society, market, and government; 3. A legal mechanism based on incentives rather than penalties; 4. Involving the public in the legislative processes; 5. Facilitating and supporting the activities of private companies and creating discipline in state-owned companies; 6. A cultural and social approach in law formulation; 7. Clarifying the definitions of state-owned and quasi-state companies.

Abstract One of the challenges in mosque policymaking in Iran is the extent of government intervention in its affairs. Some argue that due to the declining public interest in endowments or their inability to manage mosque institutions, the scope of government intervention extends to mosque financing as well. Conversely, others, citing the necessity of the independence of religious institutions, oppose any government intervention in mosque affairs. This report seeks to explore successful mosques in non-governmental financing, presenting successful models under current conditions while taking a middle path and framing the possibilities for government intervention in mosque financing in such a way that non-governmental financing is considered the main pillar in addressing the economic needs of mosques. At the same time, the government can make appropriate policy decisions to address the challenges faced by mosques and support them in their role. To this end, the experiences of 26 mosques in Tehran were examined. The results indicate that the three main methods of non-governmental financing for mosques are: generating profit from mosque properties, public donations, and providing services. Key challenges identified include "the difficulties in obtaining a national ID," "the dependency of mosque income on the performance of the custodian or the Endowment Organization," "the non-implementation of laws supporting mosques," and "the decreasing public interest in charitable activities." Therefore, significant recommendations include ""reforming the processes for obtaining a national ID," "modeling successful mosques with programs such as the 'Best Non-Governmental Financing Mosques' event on World Mosque Day," "monitoring Article 'J' of Clause (75) of the Seventh Development Plan regarding the preparation of a plan for the revival of endowments," and "operationalizing Clause (1) of Subsection 'T' of Article (76) of the Seventh Development Plan concerning the provision of services by executive agencies through local mosques."

Abstract The scientific and policy systems in Iran, despite their remarkable capacities, suffer from a deep gap between scientific outputs and their practical application in policymaking. Iran's ranking of 17th globally in 2024 in scientific article production, according to Scopus, indicates a dynamic research community; however, these outputs often do not connect to policymaking. Differences in the objectives of researchers and policymakers, the high volume of articles and policy documents, and the weak culture of citation in policy documents exacerbate this gap and limit the opportunity to leverage the country's scientific potential. The Policy Citation Index, which has a global example introduced in the Web of Science (February 2025), aims to reduce this gap by tracking citations of scientific articles in policy documents. However, the focus of this tool on international sources and the English language highlights the need for a localized version in Iran. This report examines the weak link between science and policymaking, discussing the necessity and advantages of localizing this index and proposing a comprehensive framework for its implementation. This initiative, by enhancing transparency, access to local scientific evidence, and synergy between science and policymaking, can contribute to transforming the research and policy systems in the country, positioning Iran as a model in utilizing scientific capacities for advancement.

Abstract Despite the centrality of defense objectives during military service, numerous policies have been approved in the areas of livelihood, employment, and job skill enhancement for soldiers. The maximum implementation of these policies can assist in the timely independence of men. One category of policies is dedicated to the military service period, focusing on job skill enhancement, monthly salary payments, flexible employment, and the specialized employment of soldiers. The second category pertains to the period after military service, including the following aspects: the possibility of returning to previous jobs, counting military service as part of work experience, providing employment facilities, continuing health insurance coverage, and the possibility of recruitment in military organizations. Issues such as the lack of comprehensive job skills, low quality of training courses, the difficulty of synchronizing military service with employment, soldiers' monthly salaries being below the legal ceiling, and the lack of a precise mechanism for self-employment facilities are among the challenges in the effective implementation of these policies. Proposed policies for improving the economic activity of soldiers include applying "support" and "technical skill" coefficients in determining soldiers' monthly salaries, allowing soldiers to intern or work part-time outside their service location, granting insurance exemptions to employers for employing soldiers as interns or part-time workers, developing and implementing a business internship plan, and positively impacting the official technical and vocational certificate on the military ranks of conscripts.

Abstract Addiction is one of the most significant social issues in Iranian society, affecting various dimensions of society and posing a serious threat. This social harm has numerous repercussions on social, economic, political, and cultural processes. Additionally, it significantly impacts the personality and educational performance of individuals, creating a two-way interaction. The establishment of centers for the compulsory care and treatment of individuals with visible addiction, under Article 16 of the latest amendment to the Anti-Narcotics Law, approved in 2010, has been one of the dominant approaches in recent years to address addiction and reduce its harms in the country. Women substance users have been among the groups accepted and treated in centers known as Article 16 under judicial orders for periods ranging from one to three months, and under certain considerations, up to six months. Despite the growing trend of individuals accepted in Article 16 centers, there is still a lack of precise information regarding the quantity and quality of the activities of these centers, their strengths and weaknesses, and ultimately their effectiveness. This situation hinders the possibility of correcting the implemented processes. Accordingly, this report evaluates the challenges related to the processes and performance of Article 16 centers specifically for women and provides necessary recommendations to optimize and improve the performance of these centers. The findings of this paper indicate that the relevant law, which governs the organization of women at various stages of arrest, screening, care during treatment, and post-release care, faces various and serious challenges and requires revision and reform.

Abstract The Olympic Games serve as a platform for showcasing the power of countries in various economic, political, and social dimensions. Consequently, countries mobilize all their resources for success and achieving a desirable position in this event. This report examines and analyzes Iran's performance in the last 10 Olympic Games, particularly in the 2024 Paris Olympics. Evidence shows that Iran's average ranking has been 32nd, achieving the 21st position in the latest Olympic event (2024 Paris Olympics). Additionally, the average number of quotas obtained in these 10 periods is 44, and the trend of Iranian women's participation has been upward, with women securing 27% of the quotas in the 2024 Paris Olympics. Comparing the quantity of quotas obtained by Iran with other successful countries in the Olympics indicates that to achieve a suitable position, the quantity of quotas must be increased. Furthermore, considering certain indicators such as the country's population, Iran's medal count could significantly increase. Although the medal-winning status of the country has been relatively favorable compared to GDP per capita, in all 10 recent Olympic periods, wrestling, weightlifting, and taekwondo have been the traditional medal-winning sports with competitive advantages. Continuing this trend will not guarantee the growth or maintenance of Iran's position in the Olympics, and improving this position requires adopting multiple strategies, including increasing the number of quotas obtained, diversifying participating sports, investing in women's sports, and emphasizing competitive advantage sports.

Abstract This report examines the state of club management in Iran and provides an expert review of the Comprehensive Club Management Bill based on the approved text dated 2024/12/24 by the Cultural Commission of the Islamic Consultative Assembly. Among the challenges of club management in Iran are the lack of a professional structure, unclear policies and functions of clubs, ambiguity in financial and moral benefits, lack of coordination among the components of club management, and the imbalance in the per capita availability of sports facilities. Focusing on these issues, amendments and additions were made in the second review of the bill, which was approved with seven chapters and comprising 25 articles. Compared to the initial bill sent by the government, which was received on 2021/07/27 and contained four chapters and 15 articles, the approved bill by the commission includes significant chapters, articles, clauses, and notes that enhance the quality and comprehensiveness of the bill. Notably, the inclusion of "cultural-social obligations" and "supports and facilities" aims to promote the cultural development of clubs while providing conditions, facilities, and support for sports clubs. Additionally, the inclusion of provisions facilitates the development of sea-based sports, easy and affordable access to sports for all community members, encourages investors to participate in sports, defines the financial and moral benefits of clubs, and combats doping. Besides the favorable amendments made in the bill version, this report presents proposed items, including the revision and addition of certain terms, the establishment of fan clubs and player transfer agencies, the revision of conditions for establishing and operating sports clubs, and how to provide support and facilities to clubs in drafting executive regulations.

Abstract The Metaverse, as a newly emerging space for digital interactions, has had extensive impacts on the production, distribution, and consumption of artistic works, ushering digital art into a new phase. In this context, the emergence of non-fungible tokens (NFTs) and blockchain-based assets has transformed the ownership, buying, selling, and showcasing of artistic works. However, Iran's legal and policy framework still suffers from numerous legal and institutional gaps regarding the regulation of art in the Metaverse and NFTs. Furthermore, an analysis of the experiences of the United States, the European Union, South Korea, and the United Arab Emirates shows that these countries have adopted a range of approaches (from interpreting and utilizing existing laws to enacting subject-specific regulations and establishing specialized institutions) to organize financial and tax matters, oversee Metaverse and NFT platforms, and expand the scope of intellectual property protection. According to the conducted studies, the most critical policy and legislative issues in this area include: the lack of a clear authority and overlapping responsibilities among relevant institutions, the ambiguous and uncertain legal status of digital and NFT artworks in intellectual property and copyright laws, barriers to benefiting from cultural and artistic economy opportunities for Iranian artists, identity, normative, and aesthetic harms, and security threats and cyber exploitation. In this regard, to organize the regulation of art in the Metaverse, two central policy and legislative solutions are proposed: assigning the regulatory authority of this area to the Ministry of Culture and Islamic Guidance and creating an inter-agency coordination working group, as well as adding digital and NFT artworks to the provisions of the "Copyright Protection Law for Authors, Composers, and Artists."

Abstract The decline in physical activity in society poses a serious public health challenge, leading to an increase in chronic diseases and healthcare costs. This issue necessitates creative solutions and coordination among various institutions to enhance physical activity and improve public health. Health-oriented sports clubs, smart sports equipment, and platforms promoting sports are recognized as effective tools for increasing physical activity; however, the lack of financial support and economic incentives has diminished the effectiveness of these centers. On the other hand, health insurance providers are facing rising healthcare costs due to inactivity and need to reduce risk through community health improvement. This report proposes a legislative package that, by creating coordination between the government, insurance companies, and sports centers, helps increase physical activity and reduce healthcare costs. This package includes establishing an integrated system for recording sports activities, providing sports subsidies, supporting sports clubs, smart equipment, knowledge-based initiatives, and utilizing financial and behavioral incentives to encourage physical activity. These proposals aim to create a sustainable and low-cost structure that will improve public health and reduce the financial burden on insurance companies and the government.

Abstract Mutual legal assistance agreements in criminal matters are primarily established to achieve one of the goals of tracking suspects or convicts, exchanging information regarding crimes, criminals, or participating in preliminary investigations of judicial proceedings. The main objective of such treaties is to enable law enforcement officials to prepare documents and other necessary formal actions abroad in a manner acceptable in the courts of the requesting country. The esteemed Guardian Council has raised two objections regarding the Parliament's approval of the bill for the mutual legal assistance agreement in criminal matters between the Islamic Republic of Iran and the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela, stating that the generality of clause "2" of Article (9) and the generality of taking necessary actions regarding the mentioned individuals based on the domestic law of the requested country (as stated in clause "8" of Article (12) of the agreement) is contrary to Islamic law. In this regard, the honorable representatives of the Islamic Consultative Assembly may, if necessary and appropriate, utilize their legal option to insist on the previous approval of the Assembly.

Abstract The bill for the "Mutual Legal Assistance Agreement in Criminal Matters between the Islamic Republic of Iran and the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela," which was approved by the Cabinet on 2024/09/18, was sent by the government to the Islamic Consultative Assembly on 2024/10/08 for legislative procedures. This agreement was approved in the Assembly on 2024/04/16 after evaluating the report from the Judicial and Legal Commission, which was the main committee reviewing the bill. The Islamic Consultative Assembly also sent the approval to the esteemed Guardian Council on 2024/05/01 for their opinion. The Guardian Council evaluated this approval in its session on 2024/05/14 and deemed the generality of clause "2" of Article (9) and the generality of taking necessary actions regarding the mentioned individuals based on the domestic law of the requested country (as stated in clause "8" of Article (12) of the agreement) to be contrary to Islamic law. The Judicial and Legal Commission of the Assembly reviewed the Guardian Council's opinion in its session on 2024/06/25 and insisted on both objections to the previous approval of the Assembly.

Abstract Legal assistance agreements in civil matters are a type of judicial cooperation. These treaties are often established in the form of agreements for training personnel, drafting and formulating laws, recognizing court rulings, serving legal documents, obtaining expert opinions, providing documents and evidence, etc. The esteemed Guardian Council has raised an objection regarding the Parliament's approval of the bill for the mutual legal assistance agreement in civil matters between the Islamic Republic of Iran and the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela, stating that the generality of taking necessary actions regarding the mentioned individuals based on the domestic law of the requested country (as stated in clause "8" of Article (14) of the agreement) is contrary to Islamic law. In this regard, it is suggested that the honorable representatives of the Islamic Consultative Assembly utilize their legal option to insist on the previous approval of the Assembly if necessary and appropriate.

Abstract The bill for the "Mutual Legal Assistance Agreement in Civil Matters between the Islamic Republic of Iran and the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela," which was approved by the Cabinet on 2024/09/18, was sent by the government to the Islamic Consultative Assembly on 2024/10/08 for legislative procedures. This agreement was approved in the Assembly on 2024/04/13 after evaluating the report from the Judicial and Legal Commission, which was the main committee reviewing the bill. The Islamic Consultative Assembly also sent the approval to the esteemed Guardian Council on 2024/04/15 for their opinion. The Guardian Council evaluated this approval in its session on 2024/05/01 and deemed the generality of taking necessary actions regarding the mentioned individuals based on the domestic law of the requested country (as stated in clause "8" of Article (4) of the agreement) to be contrary to Islamic law. The Judicial and Legal Commission of the Islamic Consultative Assembly reviewed the Guardian Council's objection on 2024/06/25 and ultimately insisted on the previous approval of the Assembly regarding clause "8" of Article (14).

Abstract Today, artificial intelligence is one of the most widely used keywords in public discussions. Artificial intelligence refers to a branch of science that pertains to the ability of machines to think or learn. In recent years, some governments have focused on the impact of artificial intelligence on policies and public services with the aim of enhancing and improving service delivery to citizens. Advanced countries are increasingly seeking to utilize artificial intelligence in the public sector, private sector, and even in formulating their digital governance strategies, which requires recognizing the transformative capacities of artificial intelligence across various sectors, coordinating among interdisciplinary groups of policymakers, decision-makers, organizations, and adopting comprehensive policies to guide its application process. The issuance of the "National Artificial Intelligence Development Document," approved by the Supreme Council of the Cultural Revolution (2024), and its special attention to improving the quality of public services and prioritizing this matter for the application of artificial intelligence, underscores the strategic importance of this issue. Accordingly, this report examines real examples of utilizing data-driven tools in the realm of public services, assesses the potential application of artificial intelligence in enhancing public service delivery, and offers suggestions for facilitating the groundwork for this endeavor from both an executive and legislative perspective. The most important necessary actions in this area include the approval of a national action plan aimed at prioritizing the application of this technology across various sectors, along with the approval of incentives and supports, coordinating different agencies in the country, and establishing evaluation and regulatory oversight frameworks, which the Islamic Consultative Assembly can facilitate by enacting a law to provide for these matters.

Abstract Utilizing information technology advancements in the legislative system can yield benefits such as representatives' awareness of societal conditions, citizens' concerns, needs, values, beliefs, and convictions. This, in turn, enhances citizens' awareness of representatives' performance and subsequently empowers citizens, ultimately improving the efficiency of the governance system. In this context, Iran's Virtual Parliament was unveiled and implemented in the 11th Majlis. The Virtual Parliament was established to provide public access to information related to legislation and oversight, familiarize citizens with the representatives' work processes, and enable participation and active roles in the legislative system. However, after approximately two years since its launch, this platform has become inaccessible to the public and has not achieved its intended goals. Given the importance of this idea, examining the dimensions and hidden aspects of this experience can assist in providing corrective suggestions and future experiences. In this regard, after interviewing various stakeholders, including designers and operators of this platform, informed representatives, and officials in the IT sector of the legislative body, the results of this documentation are presented in this report in the form of seventeen lessons learned, including the necessity of justifying and changing the mindset of representatives and the executive body, garnering their support, creating and strengthening a culture of innovation and participation in society through comprehensive information dissemination about project implementations and their results to citizens to build public trust, addressing legal barriers such as those related to security and privacy, allocating necessary resources and infrastructure.

Abstract Wastewater services are considered essential for sustainable development; thus, monitoring and evaluating the development process, while identifying weaknesses and strengths, facilitates the achievement of the anticipated goals. Currently, 56% of the urban population in the country is covered by urban wastewater services in 352 cities, which is slightly below the global average (63%). By the end of 2024, 191 projects under the national budget law for 2024, with an approved budget of over 102,068 billion rials, are underway. Given the importance of financing projects and the limitations of government financial resources, utilizing other financing methods, including attracting foreign investors and domestic financing, is essential, and expanding the use of these methods is necessary. Alongside financial challenges, regional pressures, the prominent role of the government, and weaknesses in higher-level documents have led to the formation of incomplete projects, exacerbated by decisions and regulations based on weak expert backing. Additionally, issues arising from the poor quality of effluent and low efficiency of treatment processes in some implemented projects challenge optimal management of wastewater utilization. To overcome the three main technical, financial, and organizational-human resource challenges in the wastewater sector, it is necessary to implement corrective policies and revise monitoring methods in the wastewater sector, including financing, technical, economic, social, and environmental justifications for projects, training human resources, expenditure methods, and financing models. Furthermore, to maximize the potential of wastewater, projects should be defined and executed based on comprehensive studies grounded in actual needs.

Abstract This report examines the possibility of the Islamic Republic of Iran's accession to the 1999 Geneva Document as a version of the Hague Agreement concerning the international registration of industrial designs. Today, more than 98 countries have joined this agreement, and the international registration system for industrial designs under the Geneva Document has become one of the most widely used tools for industrial property globally. With the approval of the Industrial Property Protection Law in 2024 and the reforms made in the legal framework governing industrial property in Iran, along with previous legal foundations such as the law permitting Iran's accession to the Paris Union for the Protection of Industrial Property and Agricultural Products approved on December 10, 1958, and the law for Iran's accession to the Convention Establishing the World Intellectual Property Organization on September 26, 2001, the necessary legal prerequisites for accession to this document have been established. Among the advantages of joining this document are the reduction of international registration costs, enhancement of legal protection for domestic producers, strengthening the export of design-oriented goods, and international credibility. In the challenges section, obstacles such as technical infrastructure and banking sanctions are mentioned. It is also noteworthy that the inclusion of any condition limiting commitment in Article 29 of the mentioned document is unacceptable, which may challenge the application of certain domestic legal rules in Iran, including the implementation of Articles 77 and 125 of the Constitution, necessitating appropriate provisions in this regard.

Abstract The bill for enhancing legal and judicial services, registered as number 284, has been introduced in this session of the Majlis and referred to the esteemed Judicial and Legal Commission for review. This bill aims to amend certain articles in various laws, such as civil procedure, criminal procedure, and the law on the asset declaration of officials and agents. This report will examine this bill in detail.

Abstract The bill for employing retirees in production and economic units, registered as number 272, aims to address some of the challenges in securing human resources in both public and private sector production units by employing retired staff in hard and hazardous jobs. Although this bill could alleviate some issues faced by these units and address certain livelihood problems for a group of retirees, it has been noted by experts that the current proposal lacks comprehensiveness regarding various aspects of the issue and its scope. Furthermore, it does not adequately consider the role of certain underlying factors affecting the problem, such as the age and necessary experience for retirement and the need for essential reforms concerning hard and hazardous jobs, which should precede such legislative changes. Mechanisms such as reducing working hours and days for individuals in hard and hazardous jobs and establishing employment bonuses for longer service periods, which could reduce the motivation for early retirements, should take precedence over such legislative actions. If the drafting of the bill is deemed necessary, its provisions should be reviewed while considering all insurance, financial, legal, labor market conditions, and the insights of experts, practitioners, and key stakeholders. The Research Center of the Majlis is prepared to undertake this responsibility based on Article 142 of the Internal Regulations of the Islamic Consultative Assembly.

Abstract Among the efforts made to define a comprehensive understanding of corporate governance, the following definition can be presented as a selected definition based on comparative studies: "Corporate governance is a system of regulations and oversight over company operations aimed at balancing the interests of all internal stakeholders and other stakeholders affected by the company's behavior, ensuring responsible company conduct and achieving the maximum level of efficiency and profitability for the company." The application of corporate governance principles is also significant for investors, as it reflects how the company is managed and ultimately whether the company can meet the interests of investors and shareholders and achieve productivity. The implementation of corporate governance contributes to enhancing financial stability and sustainability by creating a long-term investment opportunity for market participants. The requirements of corporate governance can be narrowly interpreted and categorized into three groups: Requirements concerning the governance and management of the company Requirements concerning auditing the company Requirements for protecting shareholders In this report, the requirements and principles related to the governance and management of the company, the observance of shareholders' rights, and their application in the Trade Bill are examined. The adherence to these principles has been emphasized by international organizations such as the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) and is referenced in higher-level documents such as the General Policies on Economic Security and Resistance Economy and the Legislative System.

Abstract Open burning of waste refers to the incineration of any type of waste in the open air without considering health and environmental measures. Incomplete combustion and the burning of waste in open spaces, especially when the waste contains plastics or electrical and electronic waste, are major contributors to the formation of dioxins and furans. Exposure to these compounds increases the risk of various cancers and other diseases. Additionally, open burning of waste is considered one of the exacerbating factors of air pollution, particularly in metropolitan areas. Studies indicate that open burning of waste is both a symptom and a cause of failures in waste management. This report examines the effects and common types of waste burned in open spaces in the country and presents legislative and executive solutions to address waste management issues.

Abstract The increasing complexity of governance and policymaking, along with the development of communication and interactive technologies in recent years, has led to a shift from top-down and centralized approaches to participatory mechanisms, where governments seek to utilize all societal capacities based on the concept of open government. This report aims to explore the concept of "crowdsourcing" as an innovative idea in public administration and governance, examining some international experiences in the field of crowdsourcing. Recommendations based on the research conducted in this area include amending the Internal Regulations of the Majlis to recognize crowdsourcing, changing the mindset of senior parliamentary officials and representatives regarding public participation, and garnering their support based on research and investigative capacities. It also suggests examining the limits of crowdsourcing based on the Constitution and the Internal Regulations of the Majlis by the Research Center of the Majlis, creating and strengthening a culture of innovation within the Islamic Consultative Assembly, and developing suitable systems compatible with crowdsourcing while updating technological and innovative capabilities.

Abstract Social organizations are recognized as effective institutions in addressing social issues. The term "network" refers to a collection of social networks that come together around a common subject or goal, conducting coordinated and cohesive actions within the social ecosystem of the country. The existence of empowered networks of social organizations can lead to "increased power and influence," "coordination in the face of complex challenges," "knowledge and experience sharing," "optimal resource utilization," "enhanced credibility," and "increased resilience" of social organizations in the country. This report identifies major challenges such as methodological conflicts, parallel efforts, incomplete thematic and geographical coverage, strategic disagreements, and the lack of a legal status after examining the state of social organization networks in Iran. Findings indicate that the deficiency of provincial and national networks has reduced the efficiency and impact of these intermediary groups. To overcome these obstacles, four important policy recommendations are proposed: first, developing a strategic document for networking with defined minimum standards and supportive mechanisms; second, creating evaluation and validation mechanisms for organizations and their networks; third, institutionalizing the presence of network representatives in decision-making and oversight bodies; and fourth, establishing a support fund for empowering and financially strengthening networks. If implemented, these solutions could lead to a coherent, transparent, and impactful structure for social organization networks, enhancing their role in social governance. The execution of these proposals requires cooperation between the legislative and executive branches and active participation from the organizations themselves.

Abstract This report examines and analyzes the "Consumer Confidence Index" and its sub-indices, including the "Current Economic Status Index" and the "Consumer Expectations Index," in Spring 2025 in Iran. These indices are calculated based on the results of economic surveys conducted by the Milat Polling Center at the Research Center of the Islamic Consultative Assembly. The results indicate that the Consumer Confidence Index in Spring 2025 reached 136 units, a significant increase compared to the previous winter (62 units), reflecting increased consumer optimism regarding the country's economic conditions. Additionally, the Current Economic Status Index, based on consumers' evaluations of past economic performance and unemployment, reached 130 units, showing remarkable growth compared to winter (65 units). The Consumer Expectations Index, which assesses people's views on future economic conditions, unemployment, and purchasing power, increased to 146 units, indicating significant growth compared to winter (60 units). The noticeable increase in the Consumer Confidence Index and its components in Spring2025 compared to Fall and Winter 2024 indicates a reduction in consumer concerns and uncertainties regarding the country's economic future. This improvement has occurred under the influence of positive consumer expectations, particularly due to reduced fluctuations in currency and asset markets. Maintaining and strengthening this situation requires the formulation of effective economic policies and the continuation of stability in markets to further bolster consumer confidence. Additionally, the government's communication policies in managing economic expectations will play a key role in sustaining this positive trend.

Abstract The bill for strengthening the mobilization of the underprivileged, titled "Amendment of Chapter Four of the Statute of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps," was registered as number 629 in the ninth session and was approved by the Islamic Consultative Assembly on May 24, 2016. The Guardian Council deemed the Assembly's approval inconsistent with the Constitution. To address the Guardian Council's objections, the Assembly made amendments on November 17, 2017. However, the Guardian Council found the amendments to be unconstitutional. The returned bill was registered as number 7 in the twelfth Assembly and referred to the National Security and Foreign Policy Commission for consideration. This report examines and clarifies the Guardian Council's objections and offers suggestions for addressing them.

Abstract Vehicles, as one of the valuable assets of the public, account for a significant portion of citizens' transactions. The number of legal cases related to vehicle transactions and other evidence indicates the existence of issues in the vehicle transaction process, which poses challenges and consequences for citizens and the governance system. This report aims to identify the problems in the vehicle transaction process and their root causes, proposing suitable and implementable policy solutions to eliminate or reduce these issues. These problems, which stem from the failure of one party to fulfill their obligations, resulting in material and moral damages to the other party and an increase in legal cases, are rooted in a lack of awareness regarding the status of the transaction and the parties involved, failure to simultaneously fulfill obligations, the absence of an easy, low-cost, and secure method for financial exchanges and payment verification, and the neglect of legal considerations in contract drafting. In this context, moving beyond legal and judicial mechanisms, policy solutions based on a "data-driven governance" approach, "data management," and "e-government," utilizing the platforms of the private sector, are proposed. These solutions are also designed based on existing legal capacities, including provisions from the Seventh Development Plan and the "National Data and Information Management Law" approved in 2022. Creating informational symmetry between buyers and sellers through private sector platforms and online registration of vehicle transactions by private sector platforms are among the proposed solutions in this regard.

Abstract Human impact on the atmosphere occurs through weather modification projects, including cloud seeding and atmospheric ionization. Currently, cloud seeding technology is the more common method of weather modification, aimed at increasing precipitation or reducing harmful weather effects (such as hail). The effectiveness of cloud seeding in increasing precipitation is limited, and these projects must be conducted under suitable conditions. To reveal the impact of cloud seeding in the target area and over a significant time period, strong and effective statistical analysis using data from numerous seeding operations over defined time intervals is required. Additionally, the continuation of studies and the application of all available methods and technologies necessitate reliable statistical studies supported by physical studies and meteorological observations to clearly express the impact of cloud seeding. Atmospheric ionization, another method of weather modification, is conducted with the aim of influencing the atmosphere and intentional climate changes, but its effects remain unproven, and there are serious scientific ambiguities regarding this method, with global scientific communities remaining silent on the issue. It is important to note that given the ambiguities and uncertainties surrounding cloud seeding projects and the occurrence of low precipitation periods and consecutive droughts in the country, the application of these methods is currently not an effective solution for combating drought. It seems that focusing on water resource management methods would have a significantly greater impact in overcoming existing challenges.

Abstract Due to the imbalance between public resources and expenditures and the limited executive capacity of the country, the government faces numerous challenges in providing adequate social security for the people. Private sector enterprises also lack the motivation to provide public goods. In this context, non-governmental organizations (NGOs) and charities, which are tirelessly and passionately addressing social issues without financial incentives, have also found themselves in operational constraints. NGOs and charities are essentially non-governmental, non-commercial, and non-political legal entities whose social interests take precedence over their economic interests. However, the lack of working capital and financial resources necessary for fulfilling their social missions has effectively diminished their operational capacity, discouraging social activists. Reforming and developing articles such as (139) and (172) could alleviate some of the issues related to securing working capital for charities and organizations. Additionally, expanding the investment capacities outlined in Article (138) could also create opportunities for financing organizations and social enterprises in the country.

Abstract Having a timely and reliable picture of the developments in the country's gross domestic product (GDP) can effectively contribute to improving policymaking and more accurate monitoring of the macroeconomy. Given the delays in statistical authorities in this area and the repeated requests from representatives of the Islamic Consultative Assembly to address this shortcoming and provide a more timely picture of economic growth, the Research Center of the Assembly has endeavored to establish a computational infrastructure to estimate and present the country's economic growth on a monthly basis as quickly as possible. According to the latest statistics from the Central Bank, in the fall of 2024, the country's GDP grew by 3.6% and 3.9% compared to the same season of the previous year, with and without oil, respectively. Based on the Research Center's calculations, the economic growth for April 2025 compared to the same month of the previous year is estimated at 0.9%, while the growth without oil is estimated at 0.8%. The results of these estimates indicate that in April 2025, compared to the same month of the previous year, the value added in the "Agriculture" sector experienced a negative growth of 7%, the "Crude Oil and Natural Gas" sector grew by 2%, the "Industries and Mines" sector saw a negative growth of 2.2%, and the "Services" sector recorded a growth of 3.4%.

Abstract In oil-exporting countries like Iran, where the share of oil exports usually exceeds 50% of total exports, fluctuations caused by the rise and fall of oil currencies lead to significant shocks to the real exchange rate. Since the nominal anchor of price expectations in Iran is the exchange rate, and its fluctuations quickly transfer to inflationary fluctuations, changes in the inflow of oil currencies into the country result in macroeconomic instability. Based on global experiences, the management of revenues from natural resources is primarily conducted through wealth fund mechanisms. The design and role of oil funds can vary depending on the macroeconomic objectives of each country. Based on objectives and roles, wealth funds can be divided into three main types: 1. Stabilization funds, 2. Savings funds, and 3. Development funds. Realistically, it seems that the country's top priority in this area is to maintain macroeconomic stability by ensuring the provision of foreign currency resources from oil exports in the medium term. In other words, defining (or redefining) a stabilization fund has a much higher priority than the other two types of funds. Ignoring this priority effectively turns any type of fund into a piggy bank for governments to compensate for necessary resources by withdrawing from it during budget deficits.

Abstract The entry of behavioral science into the field of policy making in recent years has brought about significant developments and achieved good results at low costs. Behavioral science provides policymakers with a more realistic view of humans by demonstrating the inadequacy of the "rational man" or "economic man" concept and offers new approaches and intervention methods for changing social behaviors. In utilizing this approach, questions arise for policymakers regarding when and in what issues the use of behavioral policy-making methods is appropriate, and if there are sufficient reasons to use these methods, what criteria should be met for their realization? This report presents two frameworks to answer these questions for utilizing behavioral policy making. In the first framework, two axes—the nature of the issue (from public issues to those perceived as private) and the type of relationship between people and law/governance (the degree of legal socialization of people regarding the issue)—create four quadrants, specifying how to utilize the behavioral approach in each of these conditions. The second framework provides a process checklist that clarifies how behavioral policy making can be realized with what criteria and tools. These criteria are categorized into various principles governing behavioral policy making, audience analysis and categorization, intervention design and its tools, and evaluation of behavioral intervention outcomes. This framework serves as a behavioral appendix to legislation, allowing lawmakers to use it during drafting or to evaluate the drafted law.

Abstract This report examines the dimensions of the "Bill to Remove Clause (3) of Article (20) of the Law on Removing Barriers to Competitive Production and Enhancing the Financial System of the Country," registered under number 249. One of the most significant challenges for currency borrowers in Iran is the severe fluctuations in the exchange rate, which can lead to increased repayment costs and defaults on debts. To reduce this risk, the Law on Removing Barriers to Competitive Production mandated the government in 2015 to collaborate with relevant institutions to draft a regulation to cover exchange rate fluctuations. However, nearly a decade later, this regulation has not been approved. In its recent bill, the government argued that this clause may create a financial obligation for the government regarding damages caused by exchange rate fluctuations, which could impose a heavy burden on the national budget. Additionally, the government claims that risk management tools for currency are currently being implemented in the country's financial markets, and there is no need for a new legal obligation. Investigations show that the lack of approval for this regulation has primarily been due to two reasons: 1. Regulatory intervention in the exchange rate, which has limited the formation of currency derivative tools, and 2. Policymakers' concerns about the impact of derivative contract rates on the cash currency market. Ultimately, this report presents two main strategies for decision-making: either amend Clause "3" of Article (20) to align with Article (44) of the Central Bank Law and mandate the development of the currency risk management market, or remove the clause. In any case, institutionalizing currency risk management tools is essential.

Abstract The Iranian family institution has undergone significant transformations over the past few decades. The fertility rate has decreased from 7 children in the 1980s to about 1.7 in recent years. Consequently, the average age at first marriage for women and men has increased by about 4 years over the past 40 years, and the net divorce rate has grown by approximately 130% from the mid-1990s to the mid-2010s. The role of population control policies in reducing fertility cannot be denied; however, changes in people's behavior regarding marriage and childbearing have also been influenced by other factors. This report aims to examine the transformations in family and population in relation to economic, cultural, and social subsystems using a system dynamics approach. The simulation model begins in 2001 and continues until 2041. The population subsystem in this model is simulated by gender and in five-year age groups, with fertility, marriage, divorce, and abortion treated as endogenous variables, while migration and mortality rates are considered exogenous. The model is simulated under three economic scenarios: optimistic, pessimistic, and moderate, and various population policies are tested on the optimistic scenario. According to the report's findings, the average age of women at first marriage will vary from 29 years to about 32 years by 2041. Additionally, the fertility rate under optimistic conditions will be 2.22 children and 1.16 children under pessimistic conditions per woman. The total population is expected to range from about 80 million to 94 million across the three scenarios.

Abstract Artificial intelligence, as one of the new and influential technologies, is rapidly changing the world around us, highlighting the need to focus on its infrastructure, including data governance. Achieving the foundational layers of artificial intelligence enables us to operate independently in this field rather than relying on other countries, allowing us to benefit from its advantages in various areas. This research examines "data governance and its role in the development of artificial intelligence in Iran" using qualitative content analysis of strategic documents, official reports, and reputable scientific articles. The findings indicate that data governance in Iran faces various challenges, which can be classified into three main categories: legal and structural challenges, technical and infrastructural challenges, and human and cultural challenges. However, there are also many opportunities for improving data governance in Iran. By developing a comprehensive legal framework, increasing coordination among responsible institutions, investing in technical infrastructure and human resources, and promoting a data-driven culture, optimal data governance can be achieved in Iran. Finally, based on the findings of this research and with the aim of improving data governance and developing artificial intelligence in Iran, several recommendations are provided, including: developing a comprehensive and integrated legal framework, increasing coordination among responsible institutions, investing in technical infrastructure, training specialized human resources, promoting a data-driven culture, and supporting research and innovation in the field of artificial intelligence.

Abstract The "Law on the Protection of the Rights of Persons with Disabilities" addresses the necessary supervisory and executive mechanisms in four articles and three notes. According to the findings of this report, the performance of the "Committee" and the "Secretariat" for coordinating and supervising the law, as per Article 31, has not met expectations. This is partly due to the lack of supervisory authority of the Secretariat and the Welfare Organization of the country within the legal hierarchy of executive bodies, inter-departmental coordination issues among government agencies, and the weakness of the specialized body of the law's supervisory secretariat. Furthermore, despite the passage of seven years since the law's enactment, no annual performance report related to this law has been submitted for reading in the Islamic Consultative Assembly and for public dissemination of results (as per Note 3 of Article 31) by the relevant authorities, thus failing to achieve public oversight of the law. Additionally, of the four expected reports regarding the performance of the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, only one report has been prepared and submitted to the monitoring committee of the convention. The Secretariat of the Committee has not played an effective role in receiving reports from agencies and preparing reports related to the convention (Article 32) so far. Regarding the necessary regulations, despite the approval of all five specified in the law (Article 34), the average time for approval has exceeded one year from the deadline set in the law. The lack of expected implementation of these obligations necessitates the active role of oversight bodies, including the Islamic Consultative Assembly.

Abstract This report examines the delegation of executive responsibilities to provincial executive bodies within the framework of the country's seventh development plan and emphasizes that decentralization is a fundamental step towards improving the efficiency of the administrative system, social justice, and balanced regional development. Despite related laws and policies and the operational experience of the past 20 years, this process has faced obstacles such as weak coordination, lack of financial and human resources, and resistance from central agencies. Findings indicate that pilot implementation in selected provinces, strengthening local capacities, and developing a comprehensive framework for separating governance and executive responsibilities in executive bodies can contribute to the successful implementation of this policy. The key recommendation of the report is to develop a national decentralization framework that specifies a roadmap, clear and time-bound guidelines, and oversight criteria, which should be approved by the High Administrative Council and serve as a roadmap throughout the seventh development plan for the Administrative and Recruitment Organization of the country and executive bodies, with the Islamic Consultative Assembly maintaining continuous and precise oversight over it. This framework, along with training and empowering provincial staff and reforming the budgeting system, will facilitate the achievement of the seventh plan's goals regarding the transfer of responsibilities to provincial executive bodies and other sectors.

Abstract In recent years, due to advancements in data science and significant developments in communication and information technology and e-government, the importance of using data and making decisions based on their processing and analysis in providing public services and private sector businesses has increased. Currently, many public services and private sector businesses are provided based on electronic data, and the increasing expansion of information systems and the emergence of new entities for data aggregation from the public is inevitable. This situation creates two burdens on the government: first, the governance and management of this level of data and information for maximum optimization, and second, the protection and safeguarding of people's information. Therefore, in response to this issue, the Islamic Consultative Assembly approved the National Data and Information Management Law in September 2022. Although the Assembly's vigilance in addressing this issue is commendable, given the importance of the subject, it is necessary to examine the main origins of the formation and approval of this law along with its consequences and actual effects. Thus, this report aims to elucidate the antecedents and consequences of the law through consultations with experts. Finally, suggestions are provided to avoid unintended consequences in this area.

Abstract For over a decade, the National Multidimensional Poverty Index has been used as a widely applicable policy tool in many countries. This index is valued for its capabilities, including disaggregation (meaning the ability to calculate the index at various geographical levels and by demographic groups), making it highly attractive to policymakers. Consequently, there are numerous applications for this index in policymaking. It serves as a complement to the income poverty index, monitors poverty reduction, aids in budgeting, targets the needy, coordinates policies, and designs and evaluates policies. Calculating the National Multidimensional Poverty Index requires certain prerequisites, such as appointing a competent authority for index calculation and providing data infrastructure. Additionally, it serves as an independent and reference criterion for measuring the effectiveness of executive policies, making it one of the few attractive tools for policymakers. Therefore, this index can be considered a central topic for reforming deprivation alleviation policies.

Abstract Violations in the construction sector can have serious consequences for security, resilience, non-military defense considerations, aesthetics, urban appearance, and the sustainable provision of urban infrastructure and services. These violations, which may be committed intentionally or unintentionally by builders and owners, require continuous oversight and serious follow-up by relevant authorities. The municipality, as one of the supervisory bodies for enforcing urban laws and controlling the regulated transformations of cities, is responsible for addressing construction violations through the Article 100 Commission of the Municipalities Law. The primary goal of establishing this commission is to prevent and control construction violations; however, due to certain shortcomings, it has not been very successful in achieving this goal and, in some cases, has become a source of revenue for municipalities. Legalizing and normalizing construction violations through legislation can lead to the proliferation of incorrect practices. Therefore, the revision of Article 100 should be conducted with a preventive and deterrent approach to eliminate the legal basis for continued violations through the payment of fines. In this context, during the twelfth term of the Islamic Consultative Assembly, three proposals were introduced, registered as 39, 73, and 246. The two proposals to amend Article 100 of the Municipalities Law, registered as 39 and 73, have significant overlap, while the proposal for addressing construction violations, registered as 246, takes a transformative view of violations and addresses the fundamental issue of violations as a separate law rather than amending Article 100. This report examines and provides opinions on the proposal to amend Article 100, registered as 73.

Abstract One of the requirements for improving the performance of municipalities and local governments is to leverage global experiences and lessons learned. This report, in addition to examining successful experiences and existing challenges in various countries, seeks to extract lessons and practical methods that can help improve transparency in local government systems. To this end, the report employs an analytical-comparative method, reviewing some global experiences while identifying the barriers and challenges to implementing transparency in municipalities and local governments in Iran, and providing necessary policy solutions to address these challenges. The findings of the research indicate that three issues—bureaucracy (the gap between laws and practices, lengthy and sometimes complex processes, and resistance from the organizational body against changes in procedures, as well as the reduction of powers and executive authority of middle managers due to the transition from traditional to electronic methods), technical infrastructure (lack of connection to national databases, multiplicity of organizational units, and diversity of requirements), and legal and regulatory issues (ambiguity between the boundaries of transparency and privacy, and the lack of executive guidelines for approved laws)—are among the major challenges to achieving transparency. Corresponding policy recommendations have been provided for each of these issues based on the analysis of existing findings.

Abstract The "Draft Amendment of the Industrial Support Law and Prevention of Factory Closures," registered as number 238, has been submitted to the current session of the Assembly and referred to the Judicial and Legal Commission for review. As stated in the introductory justification of this draft, the reason for presenting the draft to the Assembly is the religious objection raised by the Guardian Council regarding three articles of this law.

Abstract The esteemed Guardian Council has expressed its opinion regarding the Assembly's resolution concerning the "Agreement between the Islamic Republic of Iran and the Asian Parliamentary Assembly regarding the Rights, Benefits, and Immunities of the Permanent Secretariat of the Asian Parliamentary Assembly" in three points. To address the inconsistency of the resolution with Article 15 of the Constitution, as mentioned in the first point of the Guardian Council's opinions, it is necessary to replace incorrect Persian terms with correct ones. To resolve the inconsistency with Article 17 of the Constitution of the Islamic Republic of Iran (mentioned in the second point of the Guardian Council's opinions), it is suggested that instead of placing Gregorian dates as the primary reference with their solar equivalents in parentheses, the primary reference should be solar dates with their Gregorian equivalents in parentheses. Considering the Guardian Council's opinion (mentioned in the third point) as the legal authority for determining the inconsistency of the Assembly's resolutions with Islamic law and the Constitution, and given the importance of this objection and the necessity to address it, it is emphasized that any changes to the content of agreements (especially if fundamental) require renegotiation. Therefore, it is suggested that if feasible, renegotiation with the Asian Parliamentary Assembly should occur to amend certain provisions, such as mandating the waiver of immunity in cases where immunity obstructs the realization of justice. Otherwise, the esteemed representatives of the Islamic Consultative Assembly may utilize their legal option to insist on the previous resolution if necessary or beneficial.

Abstract This study aims to examine the curriculum in the formal public education systems of four countries: Germany, Finland, the Netherlands, and Japan. To this end, it identifies and analyzes relevant documents in three sections: 1. The process of curriculum formation (in terms of the role of institutions), 2. The content of the curriculum, and 3. The hours allocated to the curriculum. Overall, the document analysis indicates that, depending on the political-administrative model governing each country, national and local governments, as well as schools and families, have varying degrees of participation in curriculum development. The examination of documents in the content section and allocated hours shows that educational systems emphasize including internships from lower levels, attention to elective courses even from the first secondary period, simultaneous planning of theoretical and practical education through the connection of schools and workplaces, and aligning the curriculum with local needs while considering national identity. A more detailed examination of instructional hours reveals a range of scheduling from mandatory and centralized timelines set by the government (Finland and Japan) to delegation to states (Germany) and even granting full authority to schools (the Netherlands). Based on the findings of the report, the following recommendations are made: enhancing stakeholder participation in the curriculum formation process, distributing curriculum development powers among the government, provinces, and schools, considering local capacities and including courses related to specific regional characteristics in the curriculum, and redesigning curricula in light of rapid technological and economic changes.

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Abstract Administrative health, as a fundamental pillar of sustainable excellence and community advancement, plays a central role in enhancing efficiency, effectiveness, and public trust in governments. This concept refers to the existence of structures, processes, and a culture based on transparency, accountability, justice, and respect for citizens' rights. However, administrative corruption remains a serious challenge in many countries, including Iran, obstructing sustainable development. This report, conducted with a descriptive-analytical approach and utilizing thematic analysis methods, examines the relevant literature and high-level documents to answer the main question: What are the key components that constitute a health-oriented administrative structure? The findings indicate that a health-oriented administrative structure is a multifaceted system composed of interconnected components, including justice and equality, anti-corruption measures, accountability and transparency, policies and procedures, public participation, organizational hierarchy, monitoring and evaluation, ethics and spirituality, moral integrity and trustworthiness, organizational culture, financial health, efficiency, meritocracy, protection of public rights, international cooperation, rule of law, responsibility, and support for individual rights and freedoms. Redesigning processes and practically implementing these components can pave the way for enhancing public sector health and improving the performance of the country's administrative system.

Abstract The United States, which has always claimed to defend human rights, has played a very destructive role in violating human rights and implementing systemic racism worldwide. The structure and agents of the United States have committed the most crimes in disregarding human rights, severely violating not only international laws but also domestic laws. This report examines human rights violations in the United States in the year 2024. The report is divided into two main sections: domestic and international human rights violations. The domestic section addresses issues from racial and minority discrimination to the violation of the rights of immigrants, women, and children. The international section examines the inhumane impacts of U.S. actions globally, international interactions, and the repeated violations of human rights in specific territories. The main objective of this report is to examine the status of human rights violations in the United States without any political bias or prejudice, relying on documented and substantiated reports published both domestically and internationally. Therefore, to accurately analyze this trend and better understand the dimensions of the issue, a detailed analysis of data, evidence, documented facts, and reliable statistics has been utilized. In conclusion, by providing constructive suggestions and actionable measures, it is hoped that clear pathways for reforming and improving the human rights situation in the United States will be prioritized by international institutions, thereby creating the necessary grounds to exert pressure on the largest violator of human rights in the world.

Abstract The comparative evaluation of the components and performance indicators of the Ministry of Interior in France, Italy, England, and South Korea provides an opportunity to analyze the differences and similarities in the strategic approaches of these countries in various regulatory, security, and managerial domains. The performance indicators in these countries reflect a focus on transparency, accountability, and the use of modern technologies to improve the quality of public services. This research examines the strengths and weaknesses of each country. In France, local resource management and financial transparency have been enhanced through digital tools. In Italy, public security, migration management, and combating cybercrime are prominent indicators. England focuses on reducing domestic violence, reforming the criminal justice system, and enhancing border security, while South Korea leads in innovation and digitization through the development of e-government and crisis management. This study shows that each country uses different indicators based on its national needs and priorities, leading to diversity in executive approaches. This comparative analysis can provide a framework for localizing performance evaluation indicators in other countries, especially Iran, and assist policymakers in designing efficient management systems.

Abstract Disasters are critical events that are either naturally occurring or exacerbated by human factors, leading to disruption and damage to people's lives. Therefore, these events require a networked collaboration of actors to reduce the human and financial toll and to help affected communities recover and gain greater resilience. Thus, the set of actions taken in the disaster management cycle (prevention, preparedness, response, and recovery) by a range of governmental, state, and civil organizations is referred to as the disaster management system. Identifying and analyzing this system through the examination of laws and institutional mapping of its actors reveals the capacities and functional capabilities, as well as the weaknesses of the country in this governance area. Accordingly, this report aims to examine the laws and institutional mapping of the national disaster management system and identify the challenges in this area. The report consists of two main sections: the first section describes the historical and legal evolution of the national disaster management system and outlines the current institutional mapping of the country. The second section examines the challenges and shortcomings at various levels of disaster response, identifying weaknesses and challenges such as instability and structural weaknesses, lack of unified management and support, redundancy in the overarching disaster management structure, and ultimately the failure to adhere to the principle of unified command in the national disaster management system.

Abstract After the establishment of the Federal Republic of Germany in 1949, the country faced the fundamental challenge of reconstructing its political system and training a new generation of governors. This challenge led to the formation of a comprehensive and multilayered system for training professional politicians, aimed not only at transferring necessary knowledge and skills but also at institutionalizing democratic values and commitment to the new political order among politicians. This report closely examines the process of governance training in Germany and analyzes three main pathways: First, local participation: involvement in local councils, citizen associations, and social projects fosters a deep understanding of micro-level challenges and problem-solving skills among political managers. Second, party activity: political parties in Germany play a central role in the training process of politicians. This pathway includes membership in youth branches of parties and gradually taking on key responsibilities within the party structure (from local to national levels). Party training programs, specialized workshops, and mentoring opportunities are essential components of this pathway. Third, formal and academic education: this pathway focuses on higher education in fields related to political science, law, economics, and public administration. In addition to academic training, the role of political foundations and public administration academies in providing specialized and practical training is also significant. This report specifically focuses on the mechanisms and processes of political training in these three pathways and how they interact in shaping effective political managers, evaluation and selection processes, support and mentoring systems, and promotion mechanisms within the political structure of Germany.

Abstract Joseph Stiglitz and Dani Rodrik, in an article titled "Rethinking Global Governance," provide an analysis of the state of global governance and propose suggestions for designing a minimal architecture for global governance. This approach seeks to create a balance between the national interests of countries and the needs for international cooperation in areas such as climate change, global health, and economic justice. Henry Farrell and Abraham Newman, in their article, examine major changes in the relationships between economics and national security, particularly in U.S. policies. The overarching message of this article is the transformation of policy frameworks regarding economic security and governance in order to manage the risks of interdependence and new threats. The authors argue that governments must reinvent themselves to endure in the new era of geopolitical and economic competition. Yun Sun, in an article titled " Why China Won't Fight the Houthis?", analyzes China's approach to tensions and attacks by the Houthis in the Red Sea. He demonstrates how China's policy in the Middle East is shaped by two key factors: the assessment of threats posed by Houthi attacks in relation to China and China's strategic calculations in its competition with the United States. Brrie Van Vik, in his article, analyzes recent changes in China's financial policies and emphasizes the increasing control of the Communist Party over the country's financial sector. The author reviews the outcomes of China's central financial conference, focusing on new policies and the Party's emphasis on stricter oversight of financial activities, management of local government debt, and support for state-owned financial institutions.

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