The inauguration of the Fourth General Assembly of CINVU was held with the participation of presidents and representatives of universities and higher education institutions of Islamic countries, along with ambassadors and political elites.

According to the CINVU Public Relations Report, Dr. Karim Najafi Barzegar, Secretary General of the CINVU, welcomed the guests in three languages: Persian, English, and Arabic. He announced that the specialized meeting of the Fourth General Assembly of CINVU would commence this afternoon, focusing on expanding educational, research, scientific, and technological cooperation in the Islamic world and strengthening the fraternal ties among Muslim nations and Islamic countries.

Dr. Najafi Barzegar highlighted the unveiling of the CINVU Plus super-application during this event, describing it as the first academic super-application in the Islamic world, which aims to empower and create equal educational and research opportunities in Islamic countries.

Dr. Najafi Barzegar also mentioned discussions on CINVU Evaluation and Accreditation of Quality in Education Services, the review and approval of the SuperUniversity project (a new generation of smart universities created through the synergy of CINVU member universities), and the assessment and approval of the educational and research needs of CINVU member universities in line with CINVU's capacities as the key tasks of this General Assembly.

Furthermore, he stated that in this event, the final approval of offering fellowships for virtual education to 500 Palestinian students who have been deprived of education due to various challenges would be discussed. In line with CINVU's fundamental approach, the examination and approval of support for educational, research, and infrastructural projects for underprivileged universities, the hosting of the first Artificial Intelligence Olympiad of the Islamic World, and the first Sports Olympiad of the Islamic World are on the agenda of this academic meeting.

Dr. Najafi Barzegar concluded by mentioning the accreditation and ranking system for universities in various fields of science, the creation of CINVU academic electronic journals, scientific indexing in collaboration with ISC, and the utilization of the capabilities of medical and non-medical science associations and knowledge-based companies for scientific production as the agenda items of this General Assembly, aiming to create added value.

Dr. Mohammad Hadi Amin Naji, President of Payame Noor University of Iran, also welcomed the guests, emphasized the importance of extensive changes in the fields of technology and research, and said, The world today is transforming at an unprecedented pace, and research institutions, by leveraging the experiences of previous generations, are moving towards virtual universities and seeking to play a more prominent role in higher education.

He referred to the role of the COVID-19 pandemic in developing smart tools in research, adding, This period was a turning point in the adoption of new educational technologies. Payame Noor University, as one of the largest universities in Iran, with more than 35 years of experience, annually hosts 100,000 students and plays an effective role in achieving educational justice nationwide with over 3,000 textbooks.

The President of Payame Noor University highlighted the extensive capacities of this university and announced its readiness to cooperate with CINVU, saying, In situations where some countries face educational gaps, CINVU, in collaboration with Payame Noor University and through specialized courses, can help address this challenge.

At the Fourth General Assembly of CINVU, the Coordinator-General of COMSTECH emphasized the network's role in the scientific development of Islamic countries and called for the use of new technologies to expand online education and support the Palestinian community.

Professor Dr. Muhammad Iqbal Choudhary, Coordinator-General of the COMSTECH, expressed his appreciation for the holding of this meeting and emphasized the key role of this network in the scientific growth of Islamic countries.

He added, In less than a decade, we have made significant progress in virtual education, and CINVU strives to strengthen scientific cooperation among Islamic countries by using modern technologies.

Professor Dr. Choudhary highlighted CINVU's vast capacities and stated, This network can take effective steps in the path of knowledge creation and cover a wide target audience in areas such as climate and limited resource management. In fact, this service delivery will be based on providing quality education.

Professor Dr. Choudhary also referred to the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the knowledge transfer process and said, This global crisis has transformed education and led to significant strides in online education. Accordingly, CINVU will pursue similar challenges to pave the way for scientific advancement.

He pointed out the demographic situation of Islamic countries, stating, On the one hand, the population of Islamic countries is aging, and on the other hand, we have a young community that we must utilize to the best of our ability.

Professor Dr. Choudhary continued by addressing the humanitarian crisis in Gaza and called for practical action by Islamic countries in this regard. He said, Today, the world's conscious minds are not indifferent to the massacres in Gaza, but they do not provide enough help either. It is the duty of Islamic countries to use technology and serious determination to provide online education for Islamic countries, including Palestine. If we do not take steps in this direction, history will not forgive us.

The Advisor to the Minister of Science, Research, and Technology of the Islamic Republic of Iran, during the Fourth General Assembly of CINVU, emphasized the expansion of scientific and technological communications in the Islamic world. He considered scientific diplomacy as a solution to current challenges, including wars and regional crises, and stressed the necessity of scientific cooperation among Islamic countries.

Dr. Seyed Ahmadreza Khezri, Advisor to the Minister and Director General of the Ministry of Science, Research, and Technology of the Islamic Republic of Iran, congratulated the guests on the occasion of Shabaniyah festivals and the anniversary of the Islamic Revolution's victory and emphasized the importance of scientific development and international cooperation in the Islamic world.

Referring to the programs of this General Assembly, including the inauguration of CINVU Plus, he stated: This General Assembly aims to pave the way for scientific and research communications among universities in the Islamic world by employing modern technologies.

The Director General of the Ministry of Science, Research, and Technology of the Islamic Republic of Iran, pointed out the rapid advancements in science and technology, noting: Today, access to updated and even real-time information has been made possible. In terms of software and hardware, technological development is expanding at an unprecedented pace, and virtual communications have created a new world for scientific and cultural interactions.

He also addressed the challenges existing in the Islamic world, adding: Alongside these remarkable advancements, the dark shadow of war still looms over some Islamic countries. These conditions compel us to change our perspective and approach towards threats and opportunities. What happens in the world inevitably impacts all Islamic countries, whether they like it or not.

The Advisor to the Minister of Science, Research, and Technology of the Islamic Republic of Iran, highlighting the impact of war on scientific and research centers in Islamic countries, stated: Today, many scientific and research centers, including those in Palestine, Lebanon, and Syria, have been damaged by wars and regional conflicts. In such conditions, the only effective solution is to resort to scientific diplomacy.

He further emphasized: By expanding inter-university communications, international cooperation, and intercultural interactions, we can strive to solve global problems. The system of dominance can only be controlled by scientific diplomacy to move away from the path of war and conflict and towards dialogue and cooperation.

Dr. Khezri concluded by emphasizing the importance of intellectual and scientific collaboration among Islamic countries, stating: Today, more than ever, Islamic countries need scientific and research unity. CINVU can provide an appropriate platform to achieve this goal and open a new path for scientific convergence and sustainable development in the Islamic world.

The Deputy for International Affairs of the Office of the Supreme Leader at the Fourth General Assembly of CINVU emphasized the role of elites in shaping the new Islamic civilization and called for extensive scientific and technological cooperation between Islamic countries, announcing Iran's readiness to share its scientific advancements.

Ayatollah Dr. Mohsen Qomi, Deputy for International Affairs of the Office of the Supreme Leader, while welcoming the guests at the Fourth General Assembly of the CINVU, referred to the rapid transformations of today's world and said, In the current world, conditions are changing rapidly, and the world is in a state of instability. These conditions have provided a suitable opportunity for the formation of new civilizations on the international stage.

He further emphasized the significant role of Islamic world elites in these transformations and said, We must see what steps this elite group present at this meeting will take to play a role in the new civilization. Without utilizing science and technology, we cannot claim to create a new Islamic civilization.

Ayatollah Dr. Qomi highlighted the Islamic awakening and the growth of identity among the youth of the Islamic world as a valuable asset for the Islamic Ummah and stated, Today's Muslim youth, with pride in their Islamic identity, have laid the groundwork for extensive scientific and cultural transformations. We are witnessing the growth of scientific journals, joint research, and the expansion of scientific cooperation among Islamic countries, which promise a bright future.

Emphasizing broad access to modern technologies and the importance of utilizing virtual capacities, he said, In today's world, we are witnessing a shift among the elites, and the ability to access the latest technologies and scientific research, especially through cyberspace, is more available than ever before.

Now, we can, relying on our own capabilities, design a comprehensive role for scientific and technological development in the Islamic world and, by cooperating with each other, create the 'Science and Technology Atlas of the Islamic World' to establish the scientific authority of Islamic countries.

The Deputy for International Affairs of the Office of the Supreme Leader, referring to some of the challenges of the Islamic world, emphasized that sowing discord among Islamic countries is part of the enemies' plot and stated, Contrary to what is promoted, the Islamic world today has achieved acceptable unity, but we still have a long way to go to reach the desired state. We must redefine and rebuild sciences based on Islamic culture.

He continued, criticizing the unjust use of modern technologies by global powers, saying, Science that can lead us to a blessed life must be alive itself. However, we see that the most advanced technologies of the 21st century, used by the US and the Zionist regime, are in the service of genocide, infrastructure destruction, and oppression of the oppressed nations of Gaza, Lebanon, and Syria. Why aren't these modern technologies used in the service of justice?

Ayatollah Dr. Qomi emphasized the necessity of synergy among Islamic countries and said, We must join hands and open new horizons to the world. It is our and your duty to chart new paths for progress.

In conclusion, he announced the readiness of the Islamic Republic of Iran for extensive cooperation in the field of science and technology and stated, Iran is ready to share whatever it has achieved in the path of science and technology with friendly countries in the Islamic world. If we share our advancements in various scientific fields with each other, we can become the flagbearers of science and technology in the world, just as the CINVU network is moving in this direction.

Ayatollah Dr. Qomi emphasized that to achieve this goal, the culture of scientific cooperation among Islamic countries must be kept alive.

Ayatollah Dr. Mostafa Mohaghegh Damad, a prominent professor from Qom Seminary, emphasized the role of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) in fostering unity and justice during the Fourth General Assembly of CINVU. He warned against the spread of ignorance and extremism in the Islamic world and stressed the necessity of developing theology alongside scientific and technological advancements.

Ayatollah Dr. Mostafa Mohaghegh Damad, a distinguished professor from Qom Seminary, highlighted the historical message of Islam in creating unity and justice, stating: The miracle of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) was not only the Quran but also the unity he established among the people of that time. Before him, injustice and enmity had taken root among the Arab tribes.

He expressed regret over the spread of ignorance in today's world and stated: Isn't it a disgrace that despite scholars and advanced scientific and technological achievements, the shadow of ignorance still looms over some Islamic societies? Isn't it a disgrace that groups like ISIS and Boko Haram, in the name of Islam, carry out actions that tarnish the image of this religion and even prevent women from pursuing education?

Ayatollah Dr. Mohaghegh Damad, while emphasizing scientific and technological advancements, warned that if theology lags behind, all sciences will suffer.

He elaborated: Today, science and technology have reached a stage of advancement that is unstoppable. But we must ask ourselves: Has theology progressed to the same extent? If theology falls behind the caravan of science and technology, all sciences might be adversely affected and take the wrong path.

He further highlighted the position of the Islamic Republic of Iran in developing Islamic sciences and noted: Today, the Islamic Republic of Iran is recognized as the center of many Islamic sciences, including jurisprudence and Islamic theology. We are ready to share these sciences, utilizing modern technologies, with our friends in the Islamic world.

The Deputy Minister of Science, Research, and Technology of the Islamic Republic of Iran, responsible for International Affairs and Head of the Center for International Scientific Cooperation, emphasized the importance of addressing scientific and technological challenges in the Islamic world and called for strengthening scientific convergence and developing virtual education.

Dr. Omid Rezaeifar, Deputy Minister of Science, Research, and Technology of the Islamic Republic of Iran, responsible for International Affairs and Head of the Center for International Scientific Cooperation, at the Fourth General Assembly of CINVU, emphasized the necessity of convergence in various scientific fields.

He referred to the existing scientific and technological challenges in the Islamic world and stated, We must leverage technological capacities to solve these problems, and in this process, we should not differentiate between various sciences.

Dr. Rezaeifar, highlighting the initial steps of the CINVU, called for the establishment of joint educational programs and added, We must move towards educational unity so that individuals in need of diverse education can benefit from it.

He also emphasized the necessity of a scientific movement and jihad in higher education and regarded virtual education as a key factor in achieving this goal.

It is worth mentioning that the COMSTECH Inter-Islamic Network on Virtual Universities (CINVU) is an international educational, research, knowledge-based, and technology network affiliated with the Ministerial Standing Committee on Scientific and Technological Cooperation of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (COMSTECH), which is hosted by the Ministry of Science, Research, and Technology of the Islamic Republic of Iran. With the idea of creating educational equity, CINVU is a base for expanding universal public education based on smart and online technology that by networking of capacities, uses the power of education, research, innovation, and technology, in line with the approach of helping to empower and advance the countries of the Islamic world.