Enhancing Global Higher Education and Research through Collaboration
The University Twinning and Networking (UNITWIN)/UNESCO Chairs Programme builds university networks and encourages inter-university cooperation. The central purpose of the programme is to build capacity and promote international cooperation through the exchange of knowledge and resources in education, science, culture, and communication. Since its launch in 1992, the Programme has established hundreds of UNESCO Chairs and networks worldwide. It strengthens connections between research, policy, and practice by promoting knowledge exchange, partnerships, and collaboration across regions, research disciplines, institutions, government and non-government organizations, and communities.
Partnering for Global Goals and Advancing UNESCO’s Mission
The UNITWIN/UNESCO Chairs Programme enables higher education and research communities to collaborate with UNESCO, contributing to programmes and strategic objectives. It covers training, research, and academic exchanges, providing a platform for sharing information across all fields within UNESCO’s scope.
Addressing Complex Global Challenges and Emerging Issues
As the world faces technological, social, political, and environmental disruptions, the UNITWIN/UNESCO Chairs Programme is more crucial than ever. It advances UNESCO’s mission and intellectual role within the United Nations, contributing to sustainable development. Higher education and research institutions pool their resources through UNESCO Chairs and UNITWIN Networks to conduct forward-looking research and address complex development issues.
Fostering Public Debate and Ethical Reflections
The activities and projects undertaken by UNESCO Chairs and UNITWIN Networks aim to foster public intellectual debate, ethical reflections, standard setting, research, scientific progress, open knowledge, and education in a spirit of international cooperation. Our research programs are multidisciplinary and comparative, investigating the manifestations and implications of diversity and justice at domestic, regional, and international levels.
Deakin Distinguished Professor Mansouri, UNESCO Chair in Cultural Diversity and Social Justice, said, “Ultimately, we hope to create a think tank and be a bridge builder between researchers, civil society, and policymakers interested in the critical issues of cultural diversity and social justice.”
“One of my many goals as UNESCO Chair will be ensuring cultural diversity is accepted and embraced as a core tenet of humanity.”
