IRANIAN STUDENTS ASSOCIATION FOR DEMOCRACY
An international forum of Iranian Students for a democratic and prosperous Iran.
A network of voices abroad, anchored in the principles that brought us here — convening, documenting, and advocating across twelve cities.
About / Who We Are
ISAD is a globally networked civil society organisation founded by Iranian students in Germany, Italy, Canada, and the United States — united by a shared conviction that a free, democratic, and secular Iran is not only possible but necessary.
We are not a political party. We are an academically anchored advocacy network with one mission: to build the international infrastructure that Iran's democratic transition will require — so that when the moment arrives, it is not wasted.
"A call to action, rooted in realism and hope — charting the path for an Iran that is in the interest of both its people and the world."
— Reza Pahlavi
Our Three-Phase Engagement Strategy
BUILD · Before Transition
Establish ISAD as a credible voice in Western policy circles. Brief parliamentarians, build research capacity, university chapters, and the constituent base advocacy requires.
ACTIVATE · During Transition
Mobilise the global network simultaneously across every capital. Facilitate dialogue for international recognition, sanctions relief, and emergency assistance for transition institutions.
ENDURE · After Transition
Accept Iran's democratic referendum without condition. Become Iran's permanent global advocacy institution — monitoring democracy, supporting reintegration for decades.
Projects & Events
Day of Action · Conference · Think Tank publications · Info Desks · Upcoming events calendar · Past campaigns · News / Magazine articles
OPEN LETTER · № 04 · 16 SEPT 2024
On the right to peaceful assembly.
A joint statement of 1,247 signatories, convened across twelve chapters. The association notes — and observes for the record — that the freedom to assemble is the precondition of every other civic right.
READ →EVENT · 12 OCT 2024
General Assembly · Open Hall
Berlin · ICC Mitte
READ →EVENT · 28 NOV 2024
Convention of European Chapters
Brussels · Résidence Palace
READ →Core Principles
Four founding clauses · Our political position · What we stand for
I. Democratic Governance
We stand for democratic governance and the rule of law — a state accountable to its citizens through free institutions, independent courts, and the peaceful transfer of power.
II. Territorial Integrity
Iran's territorial integrity and sovereignty are non-negotiable. We advocate for a unified, secure Iran — free from foreign interference and internal fragmentation.
III. A Secular State
We call for the separation of religion and government — a secular state in which faith is a private matter and public institutions serve all citizens equally, regardless of belief.
IV. Individual Rights & Freedom
Individual rights, equality, and economic freedom are the foundation of a just society. Every Iranian deserves equal standing before the law and the freedom to build their own future.
Our Members & Locations
A global network of students and young professionals committed to democratic values
FEATURED MEMBERS
Ali Bordbar
Executive
Hamburg, Germany
Sara Mostafavi
Chapter Lead
Berlin, Germany
Arash Kamali
Communications Director
Toronto, Canada
Nazanin Rahimi
Research Coordinator
Amsterdam, Netherlands
Mohammad Sharifi
Events Organiser
Munich, Germany
Leila Hosseini
Research Director
Rome, Italy
Reza Bahrami
Content Strategist
The Hague, Netherlands
Contact Form
For press, partners, & members. Correspondence is read by the secretariat in Berlin. Letters concerning press or partner enquiries receive a reply within five working days.