The Fourth International Congress of West Asia and North Africa (WANA) Was Held on Kish Island
The Fourth International Congress of West Asia and North Africa (WANA) was held on Kish Island, hosted by the Royan Institute. The event was attended by Dr. Alireza Monadi, Head of the Education and Research Committee of the Islamic Consultative Assembly, Dr. Abdolhamid Ahmadi, Vice President of ACECR, 15 international guests, and around 20 Iranian speakers.
According to the public relations of the Royan Institute, the opening ceremony of the Fourth International Congress of West Asia and North Africa (WANA) was attended by Dr. Alireza Monadi, Head of the Education and Research Committee of the Islamic Consultative Assembly, Dr. Abdolhamid Ahmadi, Vice President of Jihad Daneshgahi, and 15 international guests from the United Kingdom, Canada, Lebanon, Belgium, Libya, Oman, the United Arab Emirates, Iraq, Turkey, and Pakistan, along with around 20 speakers from Iranian medical universities and other scientific institutions across the country.
Dr. Masoud Vosough, the scientific secretary of the congress, emphasized the main theme of the event: “Application of Stem Cells in Regenerative Medicine”. He stated that efforts had been made to invite prominent domestic and international professors in order to facilitate the exchange of experiences and the transfer of up-to-date knowledge in this field. He added that the congress, focused on stem cells in regenerative medicine, would take place on May 2nd and 3rd, 2025, at Royan Institute, in collaboration with the Kish Free Zone Organization and both national and international scientific centers.
Dr. Vosough also mentioned the participation of approximately 400 researchers from Iran and other countries in the region. Despite challenges related to travel restrictions to Kish Island, the congress had received a warm reception, and it is hoped that its outcomes will extend not only across Iran but throughout the Islamic world.
The scientific secretary of the Fourth WANA Congress further noted that the congress, held at the Persian Gulf International Conference Center and supported by the Kish Free Zone Organization, provided an excellent platform for presenting achievements and hosting specialized workshops. In addition, an exhibition showcasing products from knowledge-based companies will take place alongside the congress, playing a key role in enhancing the knowledge and skills of students and improving the quality of human life.
WANA Congress as a Platform for New Ideas
During the opening ceremony, Dr. Abdolhamid Ahmadi, Vice President of Jihad Daneshgahi, congratulated the occasion of the birth anniversary of Hazrat Masoumeh (SA), Imam Reza (AS), and Teachers' Day. He commended the Royan Institute for their efforts in organizing the congress and said, "This congress provides a valuable opportunity for dialogue, knowledge exchange, and the development of science."
Dr. Ahmadi referred to a saying of Imam Ali (AS), who stated that the capacity of any vessel decreases as more is placed in it, except for the vessel of knowledge, which expands with each addition. He expressed his joy at being able to move beyond the boundaries of knowledge and thanked God for granting Jihad Daneshgahi the opportunity to learn science through the exchange of ideas.
He continued, "The WANA International Congress is one of the platforms that fosters the development of new ideas in Islamic countries, particularly within the WANA region. We hope this congress not only contributes to the expansion of knowledge but also leaves memorable experiences of Kish Island in the minds of researchers."
Dr. Masoud Vosough, the scientific secretary of the Fourth WANA Congress, also acknowledged the presence of knowledge-based companies at the congress. He mentioned companies such as Royan Stem Cells, Behraad Royesh Royan, the Kish Tissue Engineering Company, Kish Investment and Development Company, Jihad Daneshgahi Fars Branch, Kish Science and Technology Institute, Third Millennium Tourism Group, and the Vice Presidency for Science and Technology as key supporters of the scientific event.
