Dutch Unesco chairs: working together on shared challenges

Jon Verriet - 26 November 2024 - Netherlands Commission for UNESCO

On 22 November, the Dutch part of the Unesco chairs network met. The chair holders, also known as chairs, discussed ways in which they can make more impact during a dialogue session at Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam (VU).

The global network of Unesco chairs consists of almost 1,000 chairs who conduct research on, and promote education about, topics relevant to Unesco. The Dutch chairs represent a wide range of disciplines, with themes such as human rights, AI, water management, and art education. What they share is their commitment to social justice, sustainable development and a genuine desire to make the world a better and more peaceful place.

Dialogue

The meeting, led by VU rector magnificus Jeroen Geurts and dialogue coordinator Sem Barendse, provided an opportunity for the chairs to engage in conversation about their shared goals. And to reflect on their unique position as members of a global network. Although the weather was grey, the meeting was mainly characterised by optimism and shared commitment.

Impact

The participants came up with a number of practical proposals to increase the network's impact. They suggested to better connect their individual (international) networks and to involve communities in society in the chairs' network and to work as openly as possible. The group also wants to make successes more visible by sharing stories within and outside the ‘family’ of Unesco-labelled organisations in the Netherlands.

Symposium

On 14 May 2025, a Unesco symposium will take place at the VU, where the themes of this meeting will be further elaborated. This will also involve international Unesco Chairs. Key topics include social justice, intercultural dialogue, building peace, and the future of universities in a changing knowledge climate. The symposium will be an important moment to deepen cooperation among Unesco Chairs and set a further course.