UNESCO Chairs and UNITWIN Networks
A network of universities around the world supports UNESCO’s work in education, the natural and social sciences, culture and communication, to help address pressing challenges and contribute to the development of their societies. The UNESCO Chairs teams contribute at each stage of our work: from the exploration of emerging issues, through the development of international normative instruments to the implementation of policy recommendations at the national level. They also bring together partners in academia, civil society, local communities and policy-makers in dialogue for project implementation. Furthermore, each Chair endeavours to spread the humanistic values of UNESCO through teaching activities.
Launched in 1992 with the aim of promoting international inter-university cooperation, to share knowledge and develop collaborative work, there are now some 950 UNESCO Chairs and 45 UNITWIN networks in 120 countries. The UNITWIN/UNESCO Chairs Programme coordinates the establishment of these partnerships, as well as supporting their activities.
- Contact: unitwin@unesco.org
What you need to know about UNESCO Chairs and UNITWIN Networks
APPLICATIONS NOW CLOSED Special call: applications for Chairs on the human rights economy
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Highlights from the Chairs and Unitwin Networks
Applications and renewals
The 2023 application cycle is closed. Information about the 2024 cycle will be communicated in due time
UNESCO will be accepting applications to establish new UNESCO Chairs or UNITWIN Networks between 1 March and 30 April 2023. The application is to be completed in English or French through the dedicated submission platform, and should be validated by the relevant National Commission for UNESCO. See the revised programme guidelines and procedures, and kindly take into account the application form (Annex A) and the criteria for the establishment of new UNESCO Chairs and UNTIWIN Networks (Annex B); as well as the instructions to access the submission platfrom on page 9. Applications by email will not be accepted.
A limit of two applications per country is set for the 2023 application cycle. Applicants are invited to consult with their respective National Commission for UNESCO as soon as possible as some begin the process of pre-selection months before the submission window
Institutions wishing to renew their Agreements must submit a request to UNESCO for renewal six months before the expiry date of the active Agreement. Submissions are completed through an online platform and must include (1) Progress report for renewal – a report on activities and future workplans; and (2) letter of support from the host institution. Please consult the User guide for the renewal of UNESCO Chair or UNITWIN Network agreement for detailed instructions.
Kindly note that the renewal will be granted by issuing a new agreement with the host institution(s).