What We Do
The Shahbanou Farah Pahlavi Foundation is rooted in the legacy of Her Majesty Farah Pahlavi and dedicated to preserving and promoting Iran's cultural, artistic, and historical heritage. As Empress of Iran, Farah Pahlavi played a pioneering role in promoting social inclusiveness and cultural dialogue.
Her Majesty is a role model whose vision and leadership created and influenced more than forty institutions in education, public health, social services, culture, arts, history and non-governmental organisations. Her Majesty promoted social progress, inclusion and empowerment with generational impact notably on children and women.
As a global apolitical institution and inspired by Her Majesty’s values and service, the Foundation strives to foster inclusive and sustainable communities through education, culture, social progress and the advancement of women worldwide.
MISSION
To inspire the global advancement of social and cultural causes through the legacy of Farah Pahlavi’s guiding principles of empathy, positive thinking and cross-cultural dialogue.
CORE VALUES AND GUIDING PRINCIPLES
In a world facing deep social, cultural, and ethical challenges, there is a pressing need to promote cultural dialogue, preserve historical legacies, and inspire collective action for the common good.
The Foundation is guided by the following core principles:
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Apolitical independence dedicated to preserving the legacy of Her Majesty Farah Pahlavi
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Inspiration and positivity to encourage, mobilise and empower, individuals – especially women – to come together to change their world
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Advocacy for women's recognition, leadership, empowerment and advancement, celebrating their contributions to arts, culture, history, and society
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Dialogue across cultures, fostering understanding, empathy, and collaboration
STRATEGIC OBJECTIVES OF THE FOUNDATION
The Shahbanou Farah Pahlavi Foundation exists to perpetuate the values, principles and lifelong service of Her Majesty Farah Pahlavi. This legacy is codified and expressed as Farah Pahlavi’s Way and embedded across all Foundation initiatives and activities.
The Foundation’s strategic objectives are:
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Empower and uplift women worldwide through education, science, sports, entrepreneurship, leadership, and participatory citizenship
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Promote global dialogue in arts, culture, and history
These objectives are achieved through a central principle: Partnerships. Partnerships amplify the reach and impact of the Foundation enabling shared expertise, mobilisation of shared resources, increased credibility and trust, and long-term sustainability.
CODIFYING Farah Pahlavi’s Way – the DNA of the Foundation
Farah Pahlavi’s Way is a set of principles that have inspired generations globally and positioned Her Majesty Farah Pahlavi as a reference in philanthropy, culture, social impact, and societal progress.
The Foundation embraces Farah Pahlavi’s Way in all its activities and initiatives through seven guiding elements:
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Empathy: Placing understanding and compassion at the hear of every action
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Leading by example: Upholding integrity, transparency, and innovation
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Sports as an enabler: Promoting empowerment, unity, and personal growth
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Future proofing: Investing in sustainability and future generations
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Selflessness: Prioritising well-being and success of others above personal gain
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Togetherness: Strengthening communities through collaboration and dialogue
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Positivity: Inspiring hope, optimism, resilience, and confidence in change
A FINAL THOUGHT
In a world that constantly puts at challenge the role of women, the lessons from Farah Pahlavi’s Way are a source of hope:
”A seed planted with love, never dies”
That is the principle upon which the Foundation’s impact will last permanently.