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A DIPLOMAT’S WORD | In this new column, we give the floor to members of the diplomatic corps to discuss global themes of significance. Our first guest is the Ambassador of Iran. On April 23, the world observed World Book and Copyright Day. In the pages of ORIENT, Ali Mojtaba Rouzbehani, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Islamic Republic of Iran to Turkmenistan, reflects on why—in an era defined by digital technologies and geopolitical challenges—the book remains a primary instrument of "smart power" and a cornerstone of international law.
Books, Information Diplomacy, and Sustainable Peace: In Light of Neutrality and International Law
World Book and Copyright Day, observed on April 23 on the initiative of UNESCO, is not merely a cultural occasion but also an opportunity to reflect upon the fundamental role of knowledge, awareness, and the generation of ideas in ensuring global stability and peace. The book serves not only as a vehicle for transmitting human experience but also as a platform for fostering mutual understanding among nations and for dispelling cultural and political stereotypes.
In a contemporary world grappling with mounting political and informational complexity, the significance of the concepts of "public awareness" and the "provision of reliable knowledge" is felt more acutely than ever before. Under these circumstances, the protection of copyright and respect for the creators of intellectual works effectively amount to upholding the intellectual independence of societies and strengthening the foundations of sustainable peace. This is directly linked to the concept of "smart power" and the role of culture in the conduct of international relations.
In this context, a peace-oriented foreign policy—grounded in Turkmenistan’s positive neutrality and consistently emphasizing respect for the principles of international law, the renunciation of the use of force, and the peaceful settlement of disputes—serves as a valuable example within the region. Fundamentally, this approach reflects a profound understanding that sustainable security is achieved not through confrontation, but through dialogue, cultural exchange, and the deepening of mutual understanding among nations.
In such an environment, fostering a culture of reading and expanding public access to knowledge play a vital role in enhancing public awareness and strengthening the resilience of societies in the face of extremism, disinformation, and artificially manufactured tensions. A society armed with knowledge and awareness is less susceptible to political distortions and more inclined toward rationality and peaceful coexistence.
Cultural ties between the Islamic Republic of Iran and Turkmenistan—rooted in historical, linguistic, and civilizational bonds—can play a significant role in this process. The development of joint initiatives in the field of literary translation, the hosting of book exhibitions, and support for dialogue among intellectuals can contribute to strengthening mutual understanding and consolidating shared values—including respect for international law, the rejection of violence, and the promotion of peace.
In conclusion, World Book and Copyright Day serves as a reminder that sustainable peace is forged not primarily in the political sphere, but rather in the realm of thought and public awareness; and on this path, there is no more effective instrument than books and culture.
