The UNITWIN/UNESCO Chairs Programme was launched in 1992 in accordance with the resolution of the 26th UNESCO General Conference. The main task of the Chairs Program is to combine the strengths of UNESCO in the fields of education, culture, environment, engineering, basic sciences, and media, and to make full use of the teaching, research, and radiation capabilities of key disciplines in universities and research institutions to carry out research, training, and academic exchange activities. Through inter-institutional exchange programs, we promote the dissemination and transformation of knowledge and technology, the development of higher education in developing countries, especially the least developed countries, and the internationalization of higher education.

The establishment of a Chair is usually based on an agreement between UNESCO and the relevant national institution or research institute, which identifies a strong disciplinary area where the training activities or achievements can be shared and disseminated, and designates an academic leader as the Chair Holder responsible for the organization and implementation of specific activities. To date, UNESCO has established 950 Chairs and 45 UNITWIN Networks worldwide, including 32 UNITWIN Networks/Chairs in China.

Visit the UNESCO website for more information on the UNITWIN Networks/Chairs Programme