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UNESCO UNITWIN

Handong UNITWIN Fellowship

UNITWIN is the abbreviation for University Twinning and Networking.
This programme was established in 1992, in accordance with a resolution
adopted by the General Conference of UNESCO at its 26th session held in 1991.
As of February 2021, there are 44 UNITWIN Networks from 23 countries over the world.

The UNITWIN/UNESCO Chairs Programme was conceived as a way
to advance research, training and programme development in all of UNESCO’s fields
of competence by building university networks and encouraging inter-university cooperation through the transfer of knowledge across borders.
Since 1992, the programme has aroused great interest among Member States.

The UNITWIN Programme aims to be pertinent, forward-thinking and to positively impact socio-economic development effectively.
So far, UNESCO Chair and UNITWIN Network projects have proven useful in establishing new teaching programmes, generating new ideas
through research and reflection, and facilitating the enrichment of existing university programmes while respecting cultural diversity.

830 UNESCO Chairs and 44 UNITWIN Networks are established within the Programme in over 110 UNESCO Member States
involving more than 812 institutions in 193 UNESCO Member States as of January 2019.

Since the adoption of new strategic orientations for the UNITWIN Programme by the Executive Board at its 176th session in April 2007,
emphasis has been placed on:
The dual function of UNESCO Chairs and UNITWIN Networks as thinktanks and bridge-builders
between the academic world, civil society, local communities, research and policy-making.
Realignment with UNESCO’s priorities(Medium Term Strategy for 2008-2013).
Readjustment of geographic imbalance which is now in favor of the North.
Stimulation of triangular North-South-South cooperation.
Creation of regional or sub-regional poles of innovation and excellence.
Closer cooperation with the United Nations University(UNU).