To the 1st International Conference on Public Relations in Iran
In the Name of Allah, the Compassionate the Merciful

Holding the first International Conference on PR in Iran is an outstanding measure for promoting the knowledge, specialty and experience of public relation at national and international level. I would like to congratulate sincerely the professors, researchers, managers and experts of the country and distinguished guests.
In new world, life needs understanding the role of phenomena and institutions, which their origin is public opinion and people’s role. “Public Relations” is among the new institutions which has important place in new world. We can’t live in communication era and ignore the role of public relations in an ever changing world, which is fast and complicated. Communication era is a fast movement of time and linking different networks of individual and society life.
New systems and communications networks are changing time and place which are fundamental elements of human life. In this era, audience of any message is not a passive object, but is a factor for relationship and dialogue. Understanding and explaining the performances of public relations are important issue that we are encountering in our future especially from scientific and expertise point of view.
We can’t live in wonder and regret. We should find a new way from social and cultural complicated problems and make more progress from the old forms. The role of audience and communication institutions should be considered together and this can be done when theoretical guidelines and experimental achievements of scholars and experts of new communication knowledge to be paid more attention. Nowadays we need new theories, references, scientific and research texts on communication more than ever and must pay attention to new issues in a transitional society. Public relations in Iran need to be aware of latest scientific and international achievements and to benefit the experiences of “Public Relations in Iran”.
The present society of Iran is going to be more open, law oriented and participation seeking society. Democracy from the viewpoint of religion and a responding power is a dominant and ideal speech of our society. No power can ignore this will. Confronting the scientific and technical institutions and administrative as well as executive organizations in public and private levels will be effective when they update themselves, and make them efficient. The trilateral relationship between universities, executive organizations and civil institutions is inevitable in this process and I hope that this gathering to be an auspicious step which is held for the first time, even at international level.
I have no doubt that new scientific approach, local experience and background along with new academic and technical movement in Iran is a potential capacity which can be changed into practice by the assistance of curious and motivated scholars, directors and experts of PR and promote the ability of this institution in the country as a dialogue, inquirer, criticizer and reformer institution.
I am severely hopeful to the ability of all who are involved in this hard, effective and scientific job and request the Great and Almighty God more success and pride for all of  the scholars, managers and experts.

Mohammad Khatami
President of the Islamic Republic of Iran