This change in UNESCO’s course followed implementation of new restrictions on Iranian university courses and curricula, including prohibiting the establishment of new departments teaching law, political science, and philosophy—key tenants for discussion within World Philosophy Day events.

“UNESCO has made the right choice in withdrawing support for Iran’s World Philosophy Day events,” B’nai B’rith International President Dennis W. Glick said. “Philosophy cannot be celebrated in an environment where free exchange of ideas is suppressed and hatred reigns.”

While B’nai B’rith hails UNESCO’s reversal, the original agreement to select Tehran as a location for a world-class cultural event remains puzzling. Conditions within the Tehran regime have long been adverse to the open marketplace of ideas and philosophical debate, and UNESCO’s previous readiness for Tehran to serve as a premier location for World Philosophy Day risked legitimizing the human rights violations and culture of hatred inherent in its political climate.

“Tehran does not deserve the honor of holding UNESCO-sponsored events extolling freedom and open-mindedness,” B’nai B’rith International Executive Vice President Daniel S. Mariaschin said. “It is impossible to have a philosophical event under a cloud of repression where tolerance is absent.”