Every society needs to envision a clear, long-term vision for its future without which it will have a difficulty moving forward on the right direction. Within every society there exist various competing groups coming from different socioeconomic backgrounds that all embark on different paths resulting in a "jigsaw puzzle," which can, at times, divert the country from the path of growth and development and squander it’s human, monetary and natural resources. Consequently, most modern countries try to avoid this dilemma by charting a clear and transparent course for their society by conducting expert research incorporating all the society’s resources.

Usually in drafting a long-term development perspective, there is usually a certain degree of optimism and lofty aspirations which aim to prepare society for a prosperous future. During the administration of President Akbar Hashemi Rafsanjani the first attempts were made at preparing a long-term perspective plan for the country taking into account numerous reports. That attempt led to the long-term plan "Iran Outlook 1400" that, due to the political situation in the country, did not go far in achieving its goals.

In the late 1990s plans to draft a "Twenty-year Perspective" were revived and the process of preparing, studying, ratifying and eventually presenting the plan to the highest-level officials was undertaken with force. The coming to power of a new administration with substantially different viewpoints on issues ranging from management, planning, and goals has presented a new outlook for the perspective plan and the issues it examines.

In fact, reports indicate that the current government is working to amend specific goals to the long-term perspective plan as well. Thus, considering that the highest ranking officials of the country approve the perspective plan and consider its implementation a must, how can one expect that the perspective plan to be in line with the overall growth and developmental goals of the country? One of the key elements in the successful implementation of such a plan is a deep commitment and belief on the part of governmental officials who are charged with its execution. Without such a deep commitment, carrying out the goals outlined in the perspective plan is more difficult. Moreover, belief in the objectives of such a perspective plan can enhance commitment to it being fully implemented as well.

Moreover, the successful implementation of the perspective plan requires specialized experts who are both competent and apolitical. Political appointees who are not specialists within the field could hinder the execution of the plan. Emphasis should be given to experience and regard for the national interest of the country, rather than political inclination, factionalism and partisanship. In addition, the implementation of the outlook should be prioritized, with key objectives given priority and executed with more haste.

For instance, the existing long-term perspective for the country mentions "interaction with the world" as one of its stated objectives. It seems that this is one of the most important objectives that must be implemented since in today’s world, every nation needs to be engaged with the global economy in one way or another.

Today, the Iranian nation has envisioned a long-term perspective plan for itself and must act more vigorously towards achieving its objectives. Moreover, in order to create excitement and enthusiasm around the plan we should move beyond simply remembering its anniversary and discuss its provisions on a daily basis.