The Programme's overall aims are to contribute to higher education research and programmes worldwide and help engage universities in global development efforts. Through exchanges among Chairs and Networks in UNESCO’s subject areas around the world, the Programme seeks to contribute to many levels of education, and the Education for All initiative, and to help preserve cultural diversity and heritage. It aims to address social issues, environmental concerns, and sustainable development, and to apply modern information and communication technologies to appropriate contexts and needs. Last but not least, it aims at forging the values and principles that are l aid down in the Constitution of UNESCO and its Medium-Term Strategy and Programme, such as peace, human rights, and gender equity.

However, important questions have arisen: How well is the Programme accomplishing these objectives? What major obstacles face the Programme, in the light of its rapid growth? Where is the Programme's current status, and where is it going?

This internal evaluation seeks to answer these questions by looking at developments in the Programme over approximately two years ending in mid-2005.

In addition Chairs and Networks, gathered at a World Forum at UNESCO Headquarters in 2002, produced recommendations for the Programme's overall direction.

This evaluation specifically aims to look at recent trends and characteristics, and to identify issues of common concern for the Programme's further development.

UNITWIN /UNESCO Chairs Programme 2003 – 2005. Internal Evaluation.Final report.