Peyman Bamdad
A Platform for Discourse on Ecological and Political Coexistence Through Participatory Democracy
The fundamental change needed to bring about a new, secular and democratic Iran must be based on a comprehensive understanding of social and economic conditions and rigorous analyses of both local and global dynamics anchored in universal human rights. The principles outlined in Peyman Bamdad’s Charter are aimed at establishing a robust framework for transformative change that addresses the urgent needs and aspirations of the Iranian people while also avoiding many of the structural pitfalls of contemporary democracies. Iranians–scholars, activists, and people from all walks of life–must collaborate to assess the country’s interlocking crises, develop innovative solutions, foster critical dialogue, and chart pathways toward a participatory democratic future for Iran—one built on economic democracy from the workplace to the national level, with automatic membership in local councils operating in nested structures, ensuring governance that is literally composed of and built by the people.
The members of the Compact of the Dawn believe that the people of this unique civilization have the capacity to solve the current challenges that face them. We believe that prosperity, justice, and a peaceful life are the right of every member of this society, regardless of ethnic background, personal and religious beliefs, and gender and sexual orientations. A society that does not guarantee fundamental human rights and extend prosperity, justice and peace to all its members can no longer remain stable, especially in a country like Iran, which historically has been the origin and host of a multitude of different and diverse cultures and has likewise always been unique in the world in terms of its cultural, linguistic, and ethnic diversity. We, the members of the Compact of the Dawn, affirm that today, we must emphasize our historical and cultural commonalities and strengthen that which binds us together. Iranians, women and men, who have tasted the injustice, repression and corruption under the successive autocratic regimes ruling Iran over the decades must unite—for only together will we be able to break this bitter cycle and realize a new dream.
Learning from the ancient cultural heritage of Iran and drawing inspiration from the deep commonalities, shared values and historical solidarity of the people of this land, this organization seeks to create a successful and dynamic society that secures the basic rights of all members of society and builds a prosperous country administered and protected by a people’s government dedicated to the good of all. All the residents of Iran, regardless of their ethnic, religious and linguistic affiliations, should see their place in society guaranteed in its constitution and future governmental system. In the service of these goals, this organization is ready to cooperate with all people, political groups and parties who share the values outlined below and accept them as the basis of a common program for joint cooperation.