IOI Opening Remarks, Dr. Danesh Ashtiani – The Minister of Education

Dr. Danesh-Ashtiani

The Minister of Education of the ISR

July 29^th, 2017

Distinguished contestants, team-leaders and organizers,

I would like to express my gratitude for the privilege of hosting you all in the 29^th Intl. Olympiad in Informatics. We warmly welcome you and hope you will have an unforgettable stay in Tehran.

We pay tribute to the presence of the young contestants in Iran, a country of peace-loving people, with so many well-known great scholars such as Avecina, Kharazmi, Birooni, and Khaje-nasir, and also contemporary scientists like Prof. Samiee and Prof. Mirzakhani.

Each and every one of you dear contestants have also come from countries that are considered cradles for an honored civilization and culture.

Knowledge can be considered as God’s greatest gift to human being, giving him superiority over other animals.

In today’s world, development can be only achieved by science and knowledge. Intl. Olympiads are good opportunities for scientific and cultural exchange among different countries to achieve sustainable progress and peace through logic and mutual understanding.

Among different sciences, computer and Informatics are most influential in the acceleration of the development and promotion of welfare in human societies. Young people may be encouraged to actively participate in the process of development and promotion through international contests, among which The Intl. Olympiad in Informatics is really outstanding.

My beloved sons and daughters, I appreciate your participation in this scientific contest and hope your efforts and perseverance will be fruitful for all people around the world.

In the end, I am grateful to my colleagues who were instrumental in the implementation of this Intl. event. I am thankful to the Deputy Ministry of Support and Management Development, to the National Organization for Development of Exceptional Talents, to the esteemed professors from Sharif University of Technology.

Last but not least, I express my gratitude to Shahid Rajaee Teacher Training University for their sincere cooperation.

Thank you.

Dr. Danesh-Ashtiani

The Minister of Education, Iran.