UNESCO New Delhi in collaboration with Participatory Research in Asia (PRIA), hosted the first ever Consultation of UNESCO Chairs, from 10-11 December 2018 in New Delhi.  The primary objective of the consultation was to build a more informed and active network of UNESCO Chairs in India and to brainstorm and share ideas on the role of UNESCO Chairs in strengthening work of UNESCO. The two-day consultation saw the participation by all 11 UNESCO Chairs in India.  

On Day 1, the UNESCO New Delhi Director Eric Falt, welcomed all the participants at UNESCO House,  which was followed by the screening of a Film on UNESCO’s 70 years in India. The reception at the UNESCO House was a unique opportunity for all the 11 Chairs present, to introduce themselves and to build meaningful networking, in an informal setting.

On the second day, the meeting started with an address by Dr. Rajesh Tandon who warmly welcomed all the UNESCO Chairs in India to PRIA campus. This was followed by a detailed presentation by UNESCO New Delhi Director, Eric Falt highlighting key activities undertaken by the different sectors in the New Delhi Office.  Dr. N. Saravana Kumar, Joint Secretary (ICC), Ministry of Human Resource Development (MHRD) thanked UNESCO for organizing the meeting and highlighted the need to engage meaningfully with the UNESCO Chairs in strengthening the programmes and policies of MHRD. 

During the work session the Chairs brainstormed about enhanced collaboration with UNESCO New Delhi and how they could further UNESCO’s agenda in their respective areas of specialization. The members presented key ideas which included reinforcing the network of UNESCO Chairs by setting up e-groups for enhanced networking and knowledge sharing; and promoting core values of UNESCO through their ongoing courses and programmes.