Board

WIP

Articles of association

Forum for Iranian Solidarity
(DISF)

Date of adopted statutes: xxxxxx
Date of last statute amendments: xx.xx.xxxx

§ 1 Name

1. The organization’s name is The Iranian Solidarity Forum (DISF).

2. English name: Iranian Forum for Solidarity (IFS).

§ 2 Purpose

DISF is a think tank with two focus areas:

1. Solidarity work to promote democracy and human rights in Iran.

2. Dissemination of information about Iranian social conditions in Norway.

DISF organizes seminars, commemorations, and awareness campaigns with a focus on democracy, equality, the environment, and the abolition of discrimination and corruption.

§ 3 Basic Principles

1. DISF is a non-profit, non-commercial interest organization.

2. DISF is a politically and ideologically independent think tank.

3. DISF originates from the Women, Life, Freedom movement in Iran (2022) and promotes the fight for fundamental changes in Iran.

§ 4 Areas of Activity

1. DISF organizes events, commemorations, seminars, and conferences that align with the organization’s core principles.

§ 5 General Assembly

1. The organization consists of the general assembly, board, and participation groups.

2. The general assembly is DISF’s highest authority and is held annually by March 15.

3. A notice is sent two months in advance, with meeting documents provided three weeks before the assembly.

4. Members may submit proposals up to two weeks before the meeting.

§ 6 The Board

1. The board consists of at least five members elected for a two-year term.

2. The board is responsible for the organization’s finances, strategy, and daily operations.

3. The board shall reflect Iranian diversity and maintain impeccable conduct.

§ 7 Responsibilities of the Board

1. Prepare the annual report, budget, action plan, and strategic goals.

2. Apply for funding and take initiatives to influence political processes in Norway.

§ 8 Board Roles

1. The board constitutes itself, elects a deputy for the chairperson, and assigns specific roles.

§ 9 Meetings

1. The board holds at least four meetings per year. Extraordinary meetings may be called as needed.

2. Meeting minutes are recorded and made available.

§ 10 Participation Groups

1. The board establishes participation groups to carry out initiatives in accordance with the action plan.

2. The board defines the mandate and duration of each group.

§ 11 Decision-Making Process

1. The board and the general assembly are quorate as long as at least half of the voting members are present when the meeting is convened.

§ 12 Elections and Eligibility

1. All members may stand for election, and efforts are made to ensure gender balance and diversity.

§ 13 Membership

1. Anyone can join DISF. Membership fees are determined annually.

§ 14 Annual Report and Accounts

1. Funds are used in accordance with the organization’s purpose, with an annual budget and financial report approved by the board and general assembly.

§ 15 Mergers and Dissolution

1. A merger with other organizations with similar objectives or the dissolution of DISF can only be decided by the general assembly with a 2/3 majority vote.

2. § 15b The dissolution process can be initiated by the chairman of the board, or 1/3 of the members, and is processed in the

3. general meeting

4. § 15c A reasoned case for dissolution must be reported to the general meeting 1 month before the general meeting.

Actionplans

The Iranian Solidarity Forum (DISF)
Action Plan 2025

1.0 Introduction

The Iranian Solidarity Forum (DISF) aims to promote solidarity with Iran through concrete initiatives. This action plan operationalizes the forum’s goals and vision, focusing on informing the Norwegian public, including the Norwegian-Iranian community and the Iranian diaspora internationally (see § Purpose 1 in the statutes – Appendix 1). DISF will implement various initiatives to achieve this goal.

Iran stands at a critical crossroads, and the current situation has significant potential ripple effects both nationally and globally. The ongoing upheavals in Iran and beyond highlight the increasing need for knowledge on crucial social issues such as democracy, freedom of speech, gender equality, and the role of religion in governance. DISF seeks to play an active role in this educational and knowledge-building process as a reliable, non-partisan actor.

The action plan presents key initiatives to be carried out in 2025, categorized into the following areas:

• Academic debates and seminars

• Academic conferences

• Cultural events

• Information dissemination

• Public solidarity events

• Networking and cultural engagement

1.1 Academic Debates and Seminars

DISF will organize academic debates and seminars where knowledgeable individuals share insights about Iran. The topics will be timely and relevant to both Iran and the Norwegian public, aiming to enhance understanding.

1.2 Academic Conferences

In 2025, DISF will host an international conference in Oslo titled The Iranian Collective Memory: Present and Future. This conference will examine Iran’s modern socio-cultural and socio-political landscape and explore the interplay between the country’s past and present. Key topics will include gender, ethnicity, nationalism, media, freedom of speech, and the role of religion. The conference will serve as a platform for academic dialogue, offering valuable insights to policymakers and public actors.

1.3 Cultural Events

Since the 1979 revolution, the Iranian diaspora has made significant cultural contributions across borders. DISF aims to highlight artistic exchanges between Iran and the world, particularly in film, literature, music, and dance. Experts will be engaged to ensure high-quality cultural events that contribute to the solidarity movement.

1.4 Information Dissemination

DISF will function as a politically independent think tank, utilizing two main communication channels:

1. The forum’s website and Facebook page, which will provide analyses and contextualize events in Iran.

2. Articles and opinion pieces published in national and international media, available in Norwegian, English, and Persian. The goal is to reach a broad audience and enrich the debate on Iran both in Norway and globally.

1.5 Public Solidarity Events

Since October 2022, the Iranian diaspora has organized demonstrations against the Iranian regime. DISF will support inclusive, ideologically independent events without organizing its own. This approach is particularly important given the diversity of the Iranian diaspora.

1.6 Networking and Cultural Engagement

DISF will connect with actors in Norway and internationally to build knowledge networks on Iran. The goal is to foster collaboration and strengthen solidarity efforts. The forum recognizes the need to actively engage in political dialogue and collaboration with Iranian individuals and groups in the diaspora.

2. Use of Multimedia

DISF acknowledges the importance of multimedia for communication and engagement. The forum will utilize platforms such as YouTube, Facebook, podcasts, and Instagram to expand its reach, particularly among younger audiences. Streaming of seminars and events will be a key part of the strategy to create virtual public spaces and generate positive ripple effects for Iran and its diaspora.

3. Kristiania as a Host Institution

Kristiania is a leading educational institution with high ambitions and has experienced significant growth in recent years. With nearly 20,000 students, Kristiania is now a key player among Norwegian higher education institutions.

Since 2022, Kristiania has served as the host institution for DISF, providing both financial support and practical assistance. The university’s administration has offered direct funding, while the communications and operations departments have played a crucial role in organizing seminars and conferences. Additionally, DISF has had access to Kristiania’s facilities for its events.

Kristiania’s collaboration with DISF aligns with its social responsibility and commitment to contributing to Norwegian society and public discourse. The university aspires to become an independent, career-focused university delivering high-quality research and education. Strategic communication efforts are central to clarifying Kristiania’s societal mission and demonstrating how its education and research create value for society.

An institution’s commitment to social responsibility and contributions to the community is crucial for building a strong reputation. Developing strategic partnerships in priority areas, alongside active positioning through value-creating collaborations, are effective tools for achieving this. DISF’s initiatives serve as strong examples of such partnerships, addressing critical issues with significant social and scientific relevance in both Norway and internationally. Topics such as freedom of speech, gender equality, democracy, multiculturalism, identity, and the role of religion in governance are also central to the Norwegian public discourse.

By serving as the host institution for DISF, Kristiania signals its ambition to be an institution of both academic and societal significance. At the same time, Kristiania will strengthen its ties with relevant institutions and networks, actively participating in academic and public discussions on media, communication, leadership, and social sciences.

4. Timeline

Table 1: List of Initiatives for 2025

Nr:	Date	Location	Initiative area	Initiative	Short description
1	February		War in the -mmiddle East	Debate
2
3	1. mars	Oslo	Womensday
4
5
6
7	4-6 june	Oslo	Conference
8
9
10
11
12