Who are we?

Mehrdad Shabahang is the programme specialist for the Silk Roads programme within the “Inclusion, Rights and Intercultural Dialogue” section of UNESCO's Social and Human Sciences sector. Since joining UNESCO in 2007, he has worked on the ‘Routes of Dialogue’ and ‘General and Regional Histories’ programmes. Now responsible for the Silk Roads Programme, he is in charge of the conceptual and operational management of the programme and its different sub-initiatives. He also acts as the editorial supervisor for the Silk Roads Online Platform.

Prior to joining UNESCO, he worked for the Magazine “Report of Dialogue” at the International Centre for Dialogue among Civilizations in Iran (2002-2004). Mehrdad Shabahang holds a PhD in the History of Regions and Religious Anthropology.

Tara Golkar contributes to the daily implementation of the Silk Roads Programme. She is in charge of the development of the communication and outreach of the Silk Roads Programme via its various initiatives, events and activities. She also supports the coordination between the programme and its numerous partners, governmental bodies, academic entities and other stakeholders.

Yiran Wang is a Junior Professional Officer of the Silk Roads Programme. She actively contributes to the implementation of the programme and its various initiatives aimed at promoting intercultural dialogue and sustainable peace, assisting in coordination with stakeholders and supporting outreach and communication efforts. Additionally, Yiran serves as the Chinese Editor, responsible for editing and proofreading Chinese documents and webpages for the Silk Roads Programme. She holds a PhD in Comparative Literature.

Mark Smith is a consultant actively implicated in the Silk Roads Programme, contributing to its various initiatives to foster cultural exchange and intercultural dialogue. He also serves as the English editor, ensuring all English-language content is clear.