Kalinga Institute of Social Sciences (KISS) successfully hosted the Roundtable of UNESCO Chairs in South Asia on 18th–19th March 2024, bringing together distinguished academic leaders to strengthen regional collaboration and advance shared priorities.
The roundtable was convened by Prof Amareswar Galla, Pro-Chancellor and Distinguished Professor of Indigeneity and Inclusive Museum & Heritage Studies at KISS-DU. Prof Galla also holds the position of UNESCO Chair on Inclusive Museums and Sustainable Heritage Development at Anant National University, Gujarat.
This significant gathering saw participation from 16 UNESCO Chairs representing institutions across India, Sri Lanka, and Nepal. Also in attendance were Mr. Tim Curtis, Director and UNESCO Representative to the Regional Office in New Delhi (serving Bangladesh), along with senior UNESCO specialists and staff.
The event provided a platform to:
∆ Strengthen the UNESCO Chairs network across South Asia
∆ Exchange insights on key regional priorities
∆ Explore collaborative ways in which the Chairs can contribute to addressing pressing global and local challenges
About the UNESCO Chairs Programme
Launched in 1992, the UNITWIN/UNESCO Chairs Programme aims to foster international cooperation and networking among higher education institutions worldwide. With over 950 UNESCO Chairs and 45 UNITWIN Networks across 120 countries, the programme facilitates the pooling of academic and institutional expertise to contribute to the UN 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.
The programme supports interdisciplinary teaching, research, training, and community engagement, serving as both a global observatory and a laboratory of ideas. In South Asia, there are currently 16 UNESCO Chairs, including 3 from Nepal and Sri Lanka, all working towards inclusive and sustainable development.
KISS is proud to have hosted this momentous event, reaffirming its commitment to global partnerships in knowledge sharing and social transformation.