UNESCO Category 2 Institutes and Centres
More information on the relationship between Category 2 Centres and UNESCO can be found on the Natural Sciences Sector website.
The International Institute for Biotechnology
The creation of the International Institute for Biotechnology, in Nsukka, Nigeria, was approved by the General Conference in 2011 to improve research and education on food security and tropical diseases. Although the Institute focuses on Africa, it has an international agenda through its emphasis on sustainable engineering and poverty reduction. In line with the UNESCO Engineering Initiative, the Institute seeks to strengthen engineering education through curricula improvement, and it focuses on supporting women and youth in the biotechnology sectors. The Institute also works with UNESCO’s partners, including the International Centre for Theoretical Physics (ICTP), to support projects focusing on improving the engineering capacities of local communities.
The International Knowledge Centre of Engineering Sciences and Technology
The International Knowledge Centre of Engineering Sciences and Technology, based in Beijing, was recently designated as an institute by UNESCO and the Government of China. The Centre will feature a digital library on engineering and technology, especially on issues of particular importance to developing countries. It will contribute to the UNESCO Engineering Initiative by promoting sustainable engineering and development as well as encouraging international exchanges and cooperation. Through collaborative efforts, the Centre will also assist developing countries by acting as a hub for data processing and exchange on climate change. In doing so, the Centre will be a repository for science- and technology-based heritage.
The International Science, Technology and Innovation Centre for South-South Cooperation (ISTIC)
The International Science, Technology and Innovation Centre for South-South Cooperation (ISTIC), based in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, was approved by the General Conference in 2007 and launched in 2008, to build relationships between governments, academic institutions and industries in the science and technology fields. Although it is an international platform, its focus is on building South-South partnerships to aid in the socio-economic improvement of developing countries. The Centre’s agenda is reflective of UNESCO’s global priorities, gender equality and Africa as well as the UNESCO Engineering Initiative’s focus areas: women and youth in engineering, sustainable engineering and engineering education.
More information on ISTIC
The Director-General of UNESCO’s address on the occasion of the conference "International Science, Technology and Innovation Centre for South-South Cooperation (ISTIC) Return Home to UNESCO"
The UNESCO Aalborg Centre for Problem Based Learning in Engineering Science and Sustainability
The Aalborg Centre for Problem Based Learning in Engineering Science and Sustainability was recently approved, as a Category 2 Centre, at the 37th General Conference in 2013. This Centre will promote engineering studies and sustainable engineering education through “knowledge sharing, education and capacity building” networks with universities, governments and corporations. In partnership with the UNESCO Engineering Initiative, the Centre will improve engineering education and promote sustainable engineering through integrated lectures and project work in a problem-based curriculum.
More information on the Aalborg Centre
