According to the Public Relations and International Affairs Office of the IRC, the event commenced with a performance report from the outgoing Director General, Dr. Leila Niakan, who highlighted the preservation of the institute’s institutional autonomy and the stabilization of its legal status as the defining accomplishment of her tenure.

Preserving Institutional Autonomy: A Legacy of Stability
Reflecting on the conditions at the start of her mandate, Dr. Niakan noted, “I assumed responsibility at a time when the IRC’s independent identity was precarious due to certain administrative rulings, placing the institution under significant strain.”

She credited the successful navigation of this crisis to the collaborative efforts of the CII, the Insurance Syndicate of Iran, insurance company executives, and the Board of Trustees. “Through round-the-clock efforts, we secured the ratification of the IRC’s independent status,” she stated. “This achievement guarantees the continued scientific and specialized role of this institution within the insurance sector.”

Dr. Niakan emphasized that while safeguarding the existence of the IRC was paramount, the institute simultaneously prioritized scientific advancement. Efforts were made to deepen the connection between the IRC and the insurance industry, expand applied research, and increase the institute’s influence in industrial decision-making processes. She concluded by expressing gratitude to the Board of Trustees, the Research Council, the Editorial Council, and the IRC staff, offering her best wishes to Dr. Ariamanesh and expressing hope for the continued scientific development of the IRC under the auspices of the CII.

Transforming the IRC into an Industrial Problem-Solving Hub
In his inaugural address, Dr. Mohammad Ariamanesh, the newly appointed Director General of the IRC, acknowledged the trust placed in him by the President of the CII, characterizing the role as a unique opportunity for service. “The insurance industry is on the verge of significant transformations,” Dr. Ariamanesh stated. “The IRC must play a more effective role in providing the scientific underpinning for these shifts to facilitate a true paradigm change.”

Aligning with the directives of the Minister of Economic Affairs and Finance and the President of the CII, Dr. Ariamanesh emphasized the necessity of shifting the IRC’s focus away from purely article-based research toward problem-oriented research that directly addresses the industry’s functional needs.

He outlined his primary priorities for the coming term, which include:
•    Developing applied research and enhancing the digitalization of the insurance industry.
•    Integrating advanced technologies and redesigning the insurance industry’s analytical framework.
•    Increasing insurance penetration rates and fostering the development of innovative products.
•    Expanding collaboration with industry experts and thought leaders.

Dr. Ariamanesh also underscored the importance of organizational justice, meritocracy, and the elevation of staff status, stating, “Leveraging the country’s full scientific capacity, utilizing the experience of past leadership, and fostering cohesion among staff are prerequisites for achieving the IRC’s objectives.”

He further announced plans to create a database of managerial talent within the insurance industry and to revise research priorities to better align with post-conflict conditions, natural disaster risk management, and the core needs of the sector.

The IRC as a Catalyst for Industry Insight
Mohsen Pourkiani, Secretary-General of the Iran Insurers Syndicate, also addressed the assembly, underscoring the IRC’s critical future role. “Today, the insurance industry requires wisdom, knowledge, experience, and foresight more than ever,” Pourkiani stated. “In an era of high volatility, organizations require insight and the capacity to forecast risks rather than mere power. By generating knowledge and providing scientific solutions, the IRC can significantly enhance the analytical capabilities of industry leaders.”

He confirmed the Insurance Syndicate’s full support for the IRC’s initiatives, emphasizing the necessity of closer engagement between the research institution and insurance companies. “CEOs across the industry are prepared to utilize all available capacities to advance the IRC’s agenda,” he added.

Cultivating the Next Generation of Insurance Leaders
In his closing remarks, Mousa Rezaei, President of the CII, commended Dr. Niakan’s service and congratulated Dr. Ariamanesh, reiterating the strategic importance of the IRC.

Highlighting the recent efforts to secure the IRC’s position, Rezaei noted, “This institution is a significant asset for the insurance industry and must be utilized, more than ever, to empower insurance companies, managers, and experts.”

Addressing one of the industry’s fundamental challenges—the deficiency in specialized training and human resource development—Rezaei stated, “Many managers and experts in the insurance industry have lacked the opportunity for professional and up-to-date training. The IRC must bridge this gap through efficient policy-making, managed in collaboration with leading universities and reputable training centers.”

The President of the CII announced a new initiative to identify young talent and provide specialized training. “With the support and coordination of the CII, the IRC will implement a program aimed at identifying and cultivating future industry leaders, focusing on governance, management, technical expertise, and actuarial science,” he stated.

Rezaei also pointed to events such as the Shahid Rajaee Port incident and the 12-day conflict (referencing recent geopolitical challenges) as turning points that necessitate a fundamental review of industry approaches. “The IRC must define new research projects to prepare the industry for emerging risk management, post-conflict environments, and effective engagement on the international stage,” he said.

Concluding his remarks, Rezaei emphasized the necessity of developing smart supervision within the insurance industry. “The goal of the CII is not to interfere in the operational affairs of companies, but to protect the rights of policyholders, prevent market disorder, and increase public satisfaction,” he stated. “Any action that enhances service quality, expands specialized knowledge through university partnerships, designs innovative products, or increases insurance penetration will be supported by the CII, and the IRC will play a central and decisive role in achieving these objectives.”

It must be noted that Dr. Mohammad Ariamanesh has been an active and innovative academic and administrator with experience in seismology, disaster risk, higher-education management, and research leadership. He has served in senior roles at the International Institute of Earthquake Engineering and Seismology (IIEES), where he worked as Executive Deputy, and was later involved in establishing a research institute in science and nanotechnology. He also served in leadership positions at Payame Noor University, including head of the Open and Distance Learning Research Institute, Executive Deputy of the National Organization for Educational Testing, and Deputy for Forecasting and Prevention at Iran’s National Disaster Management Organization. More recently, he has been associated with the Insurance Research Center, where he contributed to strategic planning, research development, and insurance-related studies, including work on natural hazards and parametric insurance.