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
NEWS
UNESCO International Year for the RAPPROCHEMENT of CULTURES
11.02.10
Sir/Madam, On the occasion of the launch of the International Year for the Rapprochement of Cultures, Irina Bokova Director-General of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization invites you to a public debate on The Dialogue of Cultures: New Avenues for Peace moderated by Alex Taylor, with the participation of the renowned journalists, writers, intellectuals and decision makers who are members of the High Panel on peace and dialogue among Cultures.
On the occasion of the launch of the International Year for the Rapprochement of Cultures, a public debate on the theme "The Dialogue of Cultures: New Avenues for Peace", moderated by the journalist Alex Taylor, will be held in Room I, from 3.15 p.m. to 6 p.m., in the presence of Ms Irina Bokova, Director-General of UNESCO. Speakers will include personalities from the High Panel instituted by the Director-General to lead UNESCO action in favour of intercultural dialogue and peace:
1 Kjell Magne Bondevik, Former Prime Minister of Norway; 2 Lydia Cacho, World Press Freedom Laureate 2008 (Mexico), 3 Esther Coopersmith, United Nations Peace Prize Laureate and UNESCO Goodwill Ambassador for Intercultural Dialogue (USA); 4 Mustafa Ceric , Grand Mufti of Bosnia and Herzegovina; 5 May Chidiac, World Press Freedom Laureate 2006 (Lebanon); 6 Souleyman Cissй, Film Director (Mali); 7 Vigdнs Finnbogadуttir, Former President of Iceland and UNESCO Goodwill Ambassador; 8 Mo Ibrahim, Founder of the Mo Ibrahim Foundation (Sudan); 9 Julia Kristeva , Writer and Professor at the Paris Diderot University (France); 10 Laurent Monsengwo, Archbishop of Kinshasa; 11 Wole Soyinka, Nobel Prize Laureate for Literature 1986 and UNESCO Goodwill Ambassador (Nigeria).
Thursday, 18 February at 3:15 p.m. UNESCO House (Room I), 125 avenue de Suffren Paris, France Tel.: 01 45 68 17 47
