Since ۲۰۱۴, following requests from NGOs during a joint conference between the government and social organizations, August 13 was officially designated as “Social Organizations and Public Participation Day” by the Supreme Council of the Cultural Revolution upon the recommendation of the Ministry of Interior. The aim of this designation was to strengthen collaboration between the government and NGOs and to emphasize the role of civil society in national development.
As part of this annual occasion, the Ministry of Interior traditionally organizes a ceremony to recognize the efforts of NGOs. However, in ۲۰۲۳, based on suggestions from various organizations, the event’s planning and execution were entrusted to a group of civil society organizations. This decision stemmed from the belief that a government-led recognition ceremony might discourage active participation from NGOs.
Organized by civil society organizations, led by the Ta’ali Foundation for Social Development Active participation of Navid Innovation & Development Charity Foundation in planning and execution Over ۵۰۰ NGOs from across the country attended the event at the ۶۰۰-person capacity Ministry of Interior Hall Panel discussions on taxation policies for charities, legal registration challenges, and exemption regulations Direct dialogue between NGOs and relevant authorities to address sectoral concerns
The first session (morning) included keynote speeches and an appreciation ceremony, while the second session (afternoon) focused on specialized panels discussing financial and legal issues affecting charities. Government representatives attended these panels to listen to NGO concerns and provide responses.
This year, at the National Day of Social Organizations (August 13), an afternoon panel was held to present questions and receive responses from NGOs to officials of government organizations that are in some way related to the activities of these institutions. Representatives from the following government organizations participated in this panel:
• Representatives from the following government organizations participated in this panel:
• Iranian National Tax Administration
• Registry of Deeds and Properties / General Directorate of Company and Non-Commercial Institution Registration
• Social Security Organization
• Deputy for Social Participation at the National Organization for Social Affairs
• Social Affairs Organization of Tehran Municipality
One of the most important and frequently raised questions was directed at the representative of the Social Security Organization regarding social security insurance for volunteer workers and the penalties imposed on organizations in this regard.
Other topics discussed during the session included:
• Challenges in the company registration system related to filing meeting minutes for non-governmental organizations (NGOs).
• Article 172 of the Direct Tax Law.
• Incidental income in tax assessments for charitable organizations.
• Prolonged licensing procedures.
Navid Initiative and Development Institute (Registration No. 56632) was established in August 2021 in accordance with the will of the late Mr. Mohammad Ali Navid, with the aim of pursuing sustainable and impactful public-benefit initiatives.