According to the Secretariat of the 54th International Physics Olympiad, Proff BahmanAbadi said: Seventeen years ago, in days like these, a group of young women and men gathered here to participate in the 38^th International Physics Olympiad, and they all left with good memories. Some of them are famous and successful physicists now, and others are successful individuals working with greatest efficiency in various sectors of their societies.

He continued: Now that you young participants in the 54^th International Physics Olympiad are in the same seats, the future world of science and technology is awaiting your active presence.

Bahmanabadi said in connection with the activities of the organizing committee and Isfahan Shahid Rajaei and Industrial Universities: My colleagues in the organizing committee and a large number of members of the academic and administrative staff of the Shahid Rajayee University and Isfahan University of Technology, have worked for months to provide an enjoyable and memorable event for all of you. With careful planning we are hoping that you can enjoy each aspect of this Olympiad.

He continued: In the scientific department, my friends have formulated some beautiful and challenging problems, so that you can feel proud of your mental and practical prowess through your participation in a friendly competition. Additional activities have been planned so that you get to know the dazzling beauties of Isfahan as well as participating in some entertaining activities. I hope that most of you will find yourself in agreement with my statements after spending the next seven days in Isfahan.

The head of the organizing committee of the Olympiad said: We physicists, all around the world, live in different societies. In our social and political lives, we may have a specific set of ideas. We may defend the government or oppose it, or be neutral and indifferent. But none of these inclinations, has anything to do with our scientific lives.

He continued: When we publish our scientific results, nobody checks to see in which political system we live and what our political affiliations are. We equally respect the Englishman Dirac, the Russian Landau, the Pakistani Salam, the Indian Tata, the Japanese Yukawa, the Danish Bohr, the American Feynman, the German Einstein, for their brilliant scientific ideas, and we don’t care what nationality they are.  

Bahman Abadi clarified: The International Physics Olympiad started six decades ago to promote interest in this innovative and mold-breaking discipline, among the young. Its reach has become global now, and all of us who belong to the IPhO family, are committed to this goal. Unfortunately, some governments, in recent years have ignored this honestly peaceful goal which physicists pursue beyond political alliances. And, the Physics Olympiad this year, has not been spared the consequences of such policies.

He continued: A group of countries, despite the strong emphasis in Article 2 of the Statutes of the International Physics Olympiads, have prevented their eager and talented youth from participating in this event. We deeply regret the absence of the young women and men from these countries. 

The head of the organizing committee of the Olympiad finally said: The Organizing Committee of IPhO 2024 was under great pressure to hold this even virtually, as what happened during the dark days of 2021 and 2022. We could not allow ourselves to deprive you from the joys of being in a live and inclusive event for political reasons. Let us hope that one day, in light of the unification we seek in physics, the political borders will lose their significance. Now, wishing that you will all experience an exciting and happy week, we officially inaugurate the 54^th International Physics Olympiad.