Tehran Statement: Fifth World Public Relations Day Summit

We, the participants of the Fifth World Public Relations Day Summit, held in Tehran and hosted by the Iranian Public Relations Officer Institute and the Iranian Association of Public Relations Specialists, with the presence of experts, academics, researchers, students, and communication practitioners, hereby affirm the following principles and objectives, inspired by this year’s global theme: “Building Bridges and Overcoming Polarization.”

1. Embracing communicative responsibility in the face of global polarization
Public relations, as an ethics-driven and meaning-oriented profession, must play an active and leading role in addressing the growing political, social, cultural, and technological divides that hinder dialogue and mutual understanding in today’s world.

2. Redefining the role of public relations in a pluralistic era
Public relations should no longer function merely as the voice of organizations. It must evolve into the listening ear of society, serving as a bridge-builder between people, institutions, generations, cultures, and narratives.

7. Emphasizing Listening Over Merely Speaking
   We stress the central role of active listening in communication processes and call for the training of a new generation of public relations professionals equipped with skills in empathy, engagement, and the ability to hear marginalized voices.4. Enhancing Media Literacy to Overcome Polarized Environments
   Given the role of social media platforms and AI-driven algorithms in intensifying polarization, we advocate for widespread media literacy education and the promotion of critical thinking among citizens, institutions, and media outlets.

   5. Promoting Intercultural and Intergovernmental Communication for Lasting Peace
   Public relations must act as a facilitator of dialogue between civilizations and cultures and play a meaningful role in reducing regional and global tensions, contributing to sustainable peace.

   6. Responsible Use of Technology to Build Human Bridges
   Technology—especially tools based on artificial intelligence—should be used to bridge divides rather than deepen them, helping foster multi-perspective, peace-driven narratives rooted in human dignity.

8. Honoring and Reviving the Intellectual and Ethical Legacy of Dr. Hamid Notghi
   On the occasion of the 26th anniversary of the passing of Dr. Hamid Notghi, we reaffirm our commitment to continuing his path in promoting a human-centered, dialogue-driven, and ethics-based approach to public relations. We regard his ideas as a guiding light for the future of this profession.

   8. A Call to Form a Global Public Relations Alliance for Communicative Solidarity
   We invite all associations, institutions, and universities active in the field of public relations to join in forming a national and international alliance under the theme of “Building Bridges”—with the aim of restoring public trust, enhancing cultural understanding, and strengthening the foundations of meaningful communication.

   This declaration, as the collective outcome of this summit, represents a step toward redefining the role of public relations in today’s complex world. It underscores the urgent need for a conscious, ethical, and human-centered approach to overcoming the polarized environment threatening global communication.

   Tehran – July 16, 2025
   Participants of the Fifth World Public Relations Day Summit