National Dialogue Conference for Iran.
📺The full recording — about fifteen hours of dialogue across thirteen sessions held on September 12–13 in Washington, D.C. — is now available on NSG Iran’s YouTube channel.
🔆Highlights from the speakers and each session will also be released separately in the coming days.
✨️National dialogue is a necessary and ongoing process.
National Dialogue Conference for Iran
September 12–13, 2025 | Washington, D.C.
In recognition of Mahsa (Jina) Day
About the Conference
The National Dialogue Conference for Iran will bring together voices from across generations, disciplines, and perspectives — along with international experts — to engage in open dialogue and practical planning on key issues such as:
Human rights
Women’s rights
Internet freedom
Media and freedom of expression
Political and civic society activists
This two-day gathering will serve as an inclusive, non-partisan platform to foster collaboration, share expertise, and explore practical steps toward a better future for Iran.
Event Details
📅 Dates: September 12–13, 2025
📍 Location: Washington, D.C.
Day One – Friday, September 12, 2025
📍 Washington, D.C.
Registration, Breakfast & Networking
Guests arrive, check in, and connect with participants before the opening.
Opening Remarks
By NSG Iran organizers
8:00-9:30 AM
9:30-9:45 AM
Justice, Accountability & Iran’s Future (دادخواهی و آینده ایران)
This panel will focus on transitional justice, amplifying the voices of victims and survivors, and exploring mechanisms for accountability. It will discuss how truth-telling, collective memory, and legal frameworks can serve as foundations for national dialogue and help shape a more just and democratic future for Iran.
9:45-10:45 AM
Message via recorded video
Moderator
Internet Freedom & Digital Space (آزادی اینترنت و آینده دیجیتال ایران)
This session will examine the challenges of censorship, surveillance, and digital repression in Iran. It will also highlight strategies and innovations that can expand secure, reliable, and open digital access — enabling dialogue and civic participation for the future.
10:45-11:45 AM
Joining remotely
Moderator
Lunch & Networking
11:45-1:00 PM
Iranians in Public Service
This panel will feature elected officials of Iranian heritage and allies in public service. It will explore how legislators and public leaders can strengthen dialogue with the diaspora, influence international policy on Iran, and connect civic values with Iran’s democratic aspirations.
1:00-2:00 PM
Moderator
Foreign Policy on Iran: What Is It, and Where Is It Headed?
(سیاست خارجی درباره ایران: چیست و به کجا میرود؟)
This panel will explore competing visions of Iran’s foreign policy — both under the current regime and in possible future transitions. It will ask what a “wise” Iranian foreign policy could look like, how Iran might reposition itself in the world, and what role the diaspora and international partners can play in shaping that trajectory.
2:00-3:00 PM
Moderator
Learning from Transitions: What Can Iran Take Away?
(درسهایی از گذارها: ایران چه میتواند بیاموزد؟)
Drawing on international experiences, this panel will reflect on democratic transitions in other countries — their successes, setbacks, and resilience. The discussion will focus on what practical lessons Iran can draw from these experiences to guide national dialogue and prepare for a sustainable transition.
3:00-4:00 PM
Moderator
Strategy & Pathways to Democratic Transition (راهبرد و مسیرهای گذار به دموکراسی)
This session will focus on strategies for democratic change in Iran, the pathways available to civic and political actors, and the challenges of building unity and momentum. It will emphasize the role of national dialogue in bridging differences and creating actionable steps toward transition.
4:30-5:30 PM
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More Information
Moderator
Media, Truth & Information Integrity (رسانه، حقیقت و سلامت اطلاعات)
These two panels will focus on how journalists and media organizations can counter disinformation, preserve credibility, and ensure that Iranians inside and outside the country have access to reliable information.
5:30-6:45 PM
A
B
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More Information
Joining remotely
-
More Information
Moderator
Moderator
Day one - Closing Remarks
6:45-7:00 PM
Day Two – Saturday, September 13, 2025
Registration, Breakfast & Networking
Guests arrive, check in, and connect with participants before the opening.
Opening Remarks
By NSG Iran organizers
8:00-9:30 AM
9:30-9:45 AM
Human Rights, Dignity & National Dialogue
This panel will highlight the ongoing struggle for human rights in Iran, with a focus on dignity, equality, and justice. It will examine how civil society voices, especially women and marginalized communities, can shape a rights-centered dialogue that builds trust and lays the foundation for a freer and more inclusive future for Iran.
9:45-10:45 AM
Joining remotely
Joining remotely
Beyond Activism: Creating a Networked Community for Iran
This panel will explore how activism can evolve into a sustained, networked community that supports Iran’s democratic future. It will highlight the importance of connecting movements across professions, generations, and geographies to build trust, cooperation, and resilience.
10:45-12:00 PM
Joining remotely
Moderator
Message via recorded video
Lunch & Networking
12:00-1:00 PM
Echoes of the Past: Navigating Today with Historical Insight
This panel will reflect on Iran’s past struggles and movements, drawing on historical experiences to inform today’s dialogue. It will explore how lessons learned—both successes and failures—can guide current strategies and strengthen the foundations for Iran’s democratic future.
1:00-2:00 PM
Joining remotely
Moderator
National Dialogue for Iran: Vision, Challenges, and Pathways
This panel will focus on the role of national dialogue as a tool to build unity, overcome polarization, and lay the groundwork for democratic transition in Iran. Panelists will share perspectives on vision, practical challenges, and possible pathways for shaping dialogue that includes civil society, political actors, and the diaspora.
2:00-3:00 PM
Joining remotely
Joining remotely
Moderator
Eyes of Freedom: Survivors of State Violence’s Panel
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Mersedeh Shahinkar
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Elaheh Tavakoliyan
Program updates to follow
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