Recommendations on a Strategy for Future Development of the UNITWIN/UNESCO Chairs Programme.

The World Forum of UNESCO Chairs was held in Paris from 13 to 15 November 2002. It brought together representatives of UNESCO Chairs and UNITWIN Networks, National Commissions for UNESCO and public and private institutions associated with the Programme.

 

Taking into account: · The Recommendation adopted by the General Conference of UNESCO in 1997 concerning the Status of Higher Education Teaching Personnel; · The World Declaration and the Framework for Priority Action adopted by the World Conference on Higher Education in 1998; · The Science Agenda adopted by the World Conference on Science in 1999; · The provisions of UNESCO’s Medium-Term Strategy for years 2002-2007 relating to higher education and research; · The current status of higher education in the world; Following an analysis of the assessment of the Programme’s operation during a decade, in the light of the status of higher education in the world, the participants in the Forum make the following recommendations: I. The UNITWIN/UNESCO Chairs Programme is an efficient tool for the transfer and sharing of knowledge, conducive to the consolidation of research and training programmes and to the establishment of centres of excellence in developing countries, while remaining attuned to higher education systems and institutions worldwide. Priority is given to the establishment of networks that facilitate action at the regional and subregional levels. II. The UNESCO Chairs and UNITWIN Networks strengthen the capacities of higher education institutions in developing countries to enable them to provide or improve existing training programmes while cutting down on lengthy studies abroad. They also permit involvement of expatriate academics in their activities and encourage them to return (permanently or temporarily) to the countries of origin. III. During the second stage of the UNITWIN/UNESCO Chairs Programme, the “Academics across Borders” initiative will be launched. It involves, in particular, the participation of higher education volunteers in order to give fresh impetus to world university solidarity and contribute to the humanization of globalization. IV. The UNESCO Chairs and UNITWIN Networks should help to facilitate the use of ICTs and distance education in the service of higher education. V. The UNESCO Chairs and UNITWIN Networks should make it possible to attain the Organization’s constitutional objectives in the fields of peace, human rights, gender equality, sustainable development, intercultural dialogue that includes interreligious dialogue, and the preservation of cultural diversity. All Chairs will support the specific accomplishment of UNESCO’s intellectual and ethical mission as a specialized agency of the United Nations. VI. The activities of the UNITWIN Networks and UNESCO Chairs should contribute, through tangible results, to the implementation of the priorities of UNESCO’s Medium-Term Strategy (2002-2007), namely education for all, water and associated ecosystems, the ethics of science and technology, the safeguarding of cultural diversity, the promotion of intercultural dialogue and the challenges of the information society. VII. The UNITWIN/UNESCO Chairs Programme, while strengthening existing partnerships, should be open to new alliances within the university community and society at large. The Programme will also work with other United Nations agencies, other IGOs, NGOs, foundations and development aid agencies. Inter-agency cooperation will be pursued systematically as a means of collecting resources and making action more effective. In each country, the National Commission’s role is vital to ensure promotion of the Programme and the formulation, follow-up and coordination of projects. VIII. The new funding strategy should include support from all of UNESCO’s sectors and the commitment of budget provisions by participating institutions. Contacts will be established with IGOs and NGOs. Governments will provide assistance as part of their aid for human resources development. Contributions may also come from other sources, in particular the private sector. IX. Emphasis shall be placed on strengthening monitoring and evaluation while bearing in mind concerns relating to the sustainability, quality, relevance and effectiveness of the Programme’s activities. Steps will be taken to terminate agreements concerning Chairs or Networks that have been inactive for a long period of time. X. A strategy for the rational promotion of the Programme will be developed by UNESCO, in cooperation with participating institutions. The UNITWIN database and portal will be constantly updated and improved. They will provide full information on Programme activities and developments. Appropriate means will be put in place to ensure presentation of UNITWIN through the media.
Publication Year	2004-03-05 10:00 am