UNESCO CHAIRS AT WIUT
What is UNESCO Chair and UNITWIN Networks?
A UNESCO Chair is a team led by a higher education or research institution that partners with UNESCO to advance knowledge and practice in a priority area.
A UNITWIN Network is a partnership between UNESCO and a network of at least three higher education or research institutions, with at least two located in the Global South.
WIUT hosts two UNESCO Chairs integrating system of research, training, teaching, and outreach in Knowledge economy and Future Studies.
Dr. Komiljon Karimov
Rector of Westminster International University in Tashkent
Meyirbek Abdikadirov
Office and Programmes Coordinator
UNESCO Chair in Knowledge Economy (established 2006)
Contributes to UNESCO’s priorities in education, sustainable development, and knowledge-based growth.
Promotes interdisciplinary dialogue and practical engagement on issues related to knowledge economy and sustainable development.
Supports the development of student, academic, and institutional initiatives aligned with UNESCO’s mission and values.
Bridges academic knowledge with real-world policy, development, and educational priorities.
Prof. John A. Sweeney
Center for Policy Research and Outreach, CPRO
Dr. Peter Malvicini
Center for Policy Research and Outreach, CPRO
UNESCO Chair in Future Studies for Anticipatory Governance and Sustainable Policymaking (established 2022)
The first UNESCO Chair of its kind in Central Asia.
Promotes research, training, and teaching in futures studies for policymakers, scholars, and students.
Connects anticipatory governance and sustainable policymaking with Uzbekistan’s ongoing reforms.
Provides capacity building through workshops, policy dialogues, and publications.
Purpose:
Strengthen higher education systems and foster collaborative research partnerships.
Combine research, teaching, training, and community engagement to support UNESCO’s role as a global observatory and laboratory of ideas.
Create new teaching programmes, generate innovative research ideas, and expand international higher education networks.
Act as think tanks and bridge-builders between academia, civil society, local communities, research, and policy-making.
Promote public debate, ethical reflection, scientific progress, open knowledge, and international cooperation.
Importance:
In a time of global technological, social, political, and environmental disruptions, the UNITWIN/UNESCO Chairs Programme is more vital than ever. It supports UNESCO’s intellectual role within the UN system and contributes to the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.
Uzbekistan currently hosts 8 UNESCO Chairs, covering areas such as intercultural dialogue, cultural heritage, education for sustainable development, human rights, futures literacy, and knowledge economy.
UNESCO Chairs & UNITWIN Networks
Countries
Years of existence
Network members
UNESCO Chair Activities
Student Ambassadors
