Dr. Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf - Helping Neighbors in Need

Dr. Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, Mayor of Tehran

Dr. Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, the Mayor of Tehran, Iran, recently received the Shining Word Leadership Award from Supreme Master Ching Hai for providing timely and compassionate pledges to help with the reconstruction of its neighboring country, Iraq, pledging to contribute to highway and road construction, ecological development and sanitation services.

An open-minded and market-oriented reformist as well as a conservative pragmatist, Dr. Ghalibaf has been referred to as one of the most successful mayors of Tehran in providing administrative efficiency in improving the city’s infrastructure and public services. He recently started many major renovation and rehabilitation projects in order to secure buildings in the less developed parts of the city.

Deputy Mayor of Tehran City, Dr. Mohammad Khodadadi (second left) received the Award on behalf of Dr. Ghalibaf.

The Award was presented by our Association members on November 11, Golden Year 5 (2008) to the Deputy Mayor, Dr. Mohammad Khodadadi, who received the award on behalf of Dr. Ghalibaf. Dr. Khodadadi told our Association members that Tehran is fortunate to have abundant resources and is willing to help its neighbors in need. As for the status of Tehran, the Mayor has implemented some programs for the welfare of its own citizens that include increasing green space, reducing air pollution, and helping homeless women and children settle into more suitable accommodation. He said that the city may consider providing vegetarian meals to improve students’ health.

We applaud and celebrate the noble deeds of the Mayor of Tehran. May this sincere gesture of goodwill of Tehran’s benevolent government give hope and touch numerous lives in Iraq as well as strengthen ties between the people of Tehran and Baghdad.