The programme supports the establishment of UNESCO Chairs and UNITWIN Networks in key priority areas related to UNESCO’s fields of competence – i.e. in education, the natural and social sciences, culture and communication.
Through this network, higher education and research institutions all over the globe pool their resources, both human and material, to address pressing challenges and contribute to the development of their societies. In many instances, the networks and chairs serve as thinktanks and bridgebuilders between academia, civil society, local communities, research and policy-making.
They have proven useful in informing policy decisions, establishing new teaching initiatives, generating innovation through research and contributing to the enrichment of existing university programmes while promoting cultural diversity. In areas lacking expertise, chairs and networks have evolved into poles of excellence and innovation at regional or sub-regional levels. They also contribute to strengthening North-South-South cooperation.
In Romania, there are at present 8 UNESCO Chairs:
- Business Administration, Bucharest Academy of Economic Studies (established in 1995)
- Intercultural and Interreligious Exchanges, University of Bucharest (1999)
- Information Technologies, University of Oradea (2000)
- Sustainable Development through Research and Education in Modern Physics, "Horia Hulubei" Foundation, Măgurele (2010)
- Quality Management of Higher Education and Lifelong Learning, "Lucian Blaga" University of Sibiu (2011)
- Policies in Science and Innovation, National School of Political Studies and Public Administration, Bucharest (2012)
- Human Rights Culture and Education for Sustainable Development in Preschool and Primary School Education, "Dimitrie Cantemir" Christian University, Bucharest (2018)
- Engineering for Society, Polytechnic University of Bucharest (2018)