UNESCO launched the UNITWIN/UNESCO Chairs Programme in 1991 as an international action plan for academic solidarity to strengthen inter-university co-operation with particular emphasis on support to higher education in the developing countries.
The programme works towards establishing and reinforcing strong and durable linkages amongst higher education and scientific institutions worldwide and at facilitating the transfer of knowledge while combating the brain drain. Special attention is paid to providing assistance through inter-regional and (sub)regional linkages.
The UNITWIN/UNESCO Chairs Programme encompasses a broad spectrum of activities requiring very flexible modes of action. It is based on genuine, equal partnership among the higher education institutions which initiate various projects within its framework.
Two types of closely interrelated and interdependent activities have emerged as the base for the major strategies for implementing the Programme: inter-university networks and international UNESCO Chairs. While individual chairs responding to specific needs are possible, the programme endeavours to create the proper conditions to allow each chair to be a focal point of a network or to be a part of a network.
The UNITWIN network on Interreligious studies
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The 2nd International Meeting of UNESCO/UNITWIN chairs
27.05.09
The 2nd International Meeting of UNESCO/UNITWIN chairs
General view of Portland, USA.
View of First Christian church in Eugene, Oregon, the place of Interfaith Prayer Service.
Participants of the 2nd International Meeting of UNESCO/UNITWIN chairs dedicated to interfaith dialogue for intercultural understanding, at the Peace Traveling Exhibit (from right to left: Joseph Yacoub (France), Emil Dragnev (Moldova), Laura Yerekesheva (Kazakhstan), Nino Chikovani (Georgia), Dimitri Spivak (Russia), Louis Boisset (France), A.Khasanov (Uzbekistan).
Participants of the 2nd International Meeting of UNESCO/UNITWIN chairs dedicated to interfaith dialogue for intercultural understanding at the University of Oregon in Eugene, USA (D.Spivak (Russia), L.Yerekesheva (Kazakhstan).
Participants of the 2nd International Meeting of UNESCO/UNITWIN chairs dedicated to interfaith dialogue for intercultural understanding, at the University of Oregon in Eugene, USA (from right to left: D.Spivak (Russia), S.Burn (USA/Russia).
The newly elected coordinator of the UNESCO/UNITWIN Network of chairs dedicated to interfaith dialogue for intercultural understanding, Professor Steven Skankman (USA).
University of Oregon in Eugene, USA.
Dimitri Spivak (Russia) presenting his report 'Actual Trends in Interfaith Dialogue' at the 2nd International Meeting of UNESCO/UNITWIN chairs dedicated to interfaith dialogue for intercultural understanding, at the University of Oregon in Eugene, USA, May 8-12, 2009.