UNESCO Chairs, UNITWIN Networks and Inter-University cooperation

UNITWIN is the abbreviation for the University Twinning and Networking Programme. The Programme was established in 1992 following the relevant decision of UNESCO’s General Conference taken at its 26th session. UNESCO Chairs and UNITWIN Networks undertake training, research, information sharing and outreach activities in UNESCO major programmes areas: education, natural sciences, social and human sciences, culture, and communication and information. They develop a real partnership with UNESCO with active participation and cooperation in evaluating their programme and activities.
The UNITWIN/UNESCO Chairs Programme was conceived as a way to advance research, training and programme development in all of UNESCO’s fields of competence by building university networks and encouraging inter-university cooperation through the transfer of knowledge across borders. Since it was established in 1992, the programme has aroused great interest among Member States. The UNITWIN programme aims to be pertinent, forward-thinking and to impact socio-economic development effectively. So far UNESCO Chair and UNITWIN Network projects have proven useful in establishing new teaching programmes, generating new ideas through research and reflection, and facilitating the enrichment of existing university programmes while respecting cultural diversity.
Today, 715 UNESCO Chairs and 69 UNITWIN Networks in 131 countries provide an innovative modality for international academic cooperation, particularly with North-South and North-South-South dimension, and for capacity development. They act as think tanks and bridge builders between research and policy-making, and between academia, civil society, local communities and the productive sector. They are established within the Programme, involving over 830 institutions in 131 countries. Since the adoption of new strategic orientations for the UNITWIN Programme by the Executive Board at its 176th session in April 2007, emphasis has been placed on:
- The dual function of UNESCO Chairs and UNITWIN Networks as “think tanks” and “bridge builders” between the academic world, civil society, local communities, research and policy-making;
- Realignment with UNESCO’s priorities (Medium Term Strategy for 2008-2013);
- Readjust geographic imbalance which is now in favour of the North;
- Stimulate triangular North-South-South cooperation;
- Creation of regional or sub-regional poles of innovation and excellence;
- Closer cooperation with the United Nations University (UNU).
UNESCO Portal on Higher Education Institutions
This portal offers access to on-line information on higher education institutions recognized or otherwise sanctioned by competent authorities in participating countries. It provides students, employers and other interested parties with access to authoritative and up-to-date information on the status of higher education institutions and quality assurance in these countries. The country information on this portal is managed and updated by relevant authorities in participating countries. More information on the national processes for recognizing or otherwise sanctioning institutions is available on the country pages.
Users are encouraged to consult several sources of information before making important decisions regarding matters such as the choice of an institution, course of study or the status of qualifications. Individuals wishing to have their qualifications recognized for work or further study are advised to consult the competent authorities of the country in which they are seeking to have their qualifications recognised. It is also important to note that some institutions not on the national lists may offer quality programmes. Users are encouraged to contact the national contact point(s) for each country, if necessary, for further information.