Director in the DG’s Office, Dr Jenny Joshua, officially announced UNESCO’s approval of the establishment of the UNESCO Chair in Cultural Policy and Sustainable Development at Tshwane University of Technology (TUT), on behalf of the Director-General of the Department of Basic Education, Mr Mathanzima Mweli. The function was held on 03 March 2017, at the TUT.  

The South African National Commission for UNESCO assisted TUT to apply for the Chair. The UNESCO Chairs Programme serves as a prime means of building the capacities of higher education and research institutions through the exchange of knowledge and sharing in a spirit of international solidarity. These institutions work in partnership with NGOs, foundations and public and private sector organisations; and play an important role in the field of higher education. The Programme opens avenues for higher education and research communities to join forces with UNESCO to contribute to the implementation of its programme and the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). It covers training, research and exchange of academics and offers a platform for information sharing in all fields within the competencies of UNESCO.

TUT’s UNESCO Chair is intended to concentrate on Cultural Policy and Sustainable Development; and to contribute to cultural planning, creative industries and arts education. The Chair position will focus on fostering creativity and the diversity of cultural expressions; supporting inclusive social development; fostering intercultural dialogue for the understanding of cultures; and strengthening the contribution of culture to sustainable development, particularly in the Southern African Development Community (SADC), which is a part of UNESCO’s global priorities in Africa.