UNESCO Awards a Second Chair to the University of Sousse
The University of Sousse has been granted a second UNESCO Chair, dedicated to “Open Education for Innovative, Intelligent and Inclusive Teaching.” This brings the total number of UNESCO Chairs of Excellence in Tunisia to seven.
The agreement formalising the creation of the new chair was signed on 25 February 2026 between the university and the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO).
Strengthening Tunisia’s Presence in the Global UNITWIN Network
This new chair, the second for the University of Sousse, reinforces Tunisia’s foothold in the worldwide UNITWIN/UNESCO Chairs network. It joins a list of Tunisian public and private institutions that have been honoured with UNESCO Chairs since the 1990s, including:
| Year | Institution | Chair Theme |
|---|---|---|
| 1997 | University of Tunis | Philosophy |
| 2016 | ESPRIT – Private School of Engineering & Technology | Project‑Based Learning |
| 2019 | University of Carthage | Foresight & Future Studies |
| 2024 | University of Manouba | Higher Education for Sustainable Development in Africa |
| 2025 | National Engineering School of Tunis | Water, Waste & Energy |
| 2025 | University of Sousse | Literacy, Health & Sustainable Development |
| 2026 | University of Sousse | Open Education for Innovative, Intelligent & Inclusive Teaching |
About the UNITWIN/UNESCO Chairs Programme
Launched in 1992, the UNITWIN/UNESCO Chairs programme aims to mobilise the expertise of higher‑education and research institutions from UNESCO Member States to tackle major contemporary challenges and contribute to societal development.
Key features of the programme:
- International academic cooperation platform – fostering partnerships among universities worldwide.
- Alignment with UNESCO priorities – supporting the organisation’s core fields: education, science, culture, and communication.
- Extensive network – today the programme comprises roughly 1,100 chairs and 50 thematic networks across 130 countries.
Significance for Tunisia
The establishment of seven UNESCO Chairs across six Tunisian universities represents an international recognition of the country’s academic quality and expertise. It also underscores the commitment of Tunisian universities to:
- Scientific cooperation
- Intercultural dialogue
- Sustainable development
All of these align perfectly with UNESCO’s strategic priorities and reinforce Tunisia’s role as a regional hub for innovative research and inclusive education.
