The purpose of the Chair shall be to promote an integrated system of research, teaching and training, as well as community engagement and communication. It will facilitate collaboration between high level, internationally recognized researchers, teaching staff and practitioners of the Host Institution and other institutions in the country, as well as elsewhere in the region and in other regions of the world.
The overall goal of this UNESCO Chair is to contribute in its role as a think tank to climate action, peacebuilding and gender equity (with a special focus in Africa) through working with inclusive partners to create a more just, peaceful, and inclusive society. In summary, the chair aims to achieve the following objectives:
- To curate and disseminate intercultural competence research and practice including at the higher education level, especially within Africa.
- To engage in regions where intercultural competences may be less robust as an opportunity for interdisciplinary collaboration.
- To strengthen national and regional cooperation networks between the various institutions involved in research on intercultural competencies including with universities, civil society organisations, schools, local authorities, private enterprises and beyond.
- Convene a global network of researchers and practitioners to develop joint projects on intercultural competencies through North-South-South and South-South university collaboration.
- To engage in institutional development and capacity building to strengthen intercultural competences among relevant stakeholders.
- Cooperate closely with UNESCO, other UNESCO Chairs and UNITWIN Networks on relevant programmes and activities.
