In a landmark step toward promoting equity and inclusion in the country’s higher education landscape, the University of Dhaka has officially established a UNESCO Chair on “Inclusion in Higher Education Systems.” This initiative is part of the UNITWIN/UNESCO Chairs Programme, operated by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), which connects academic institutions across the world in a shared mission to foster sustainable development through education and research.
Currently, more than 1,000 UNESCO Chairs exist in over 125 countries, and Dhaka University now joins this prestigious global network. The Chairs serve as hubs for knowledge-sharing and collaborative work, offering universities a platform to contribute to pressing global issues through academic inquiry and policy dialogue.
To formalize this initiative, a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) has been signed between the University of Dhaka and UNESCO. The agreement was signed by Vice-Chancellor Professor Dr. Niaz Ahmed Khan on behalf of the university, while UNESCO Director-General Audrey Azoulay signed on behalf of the organization. The signing marks a significant moment in the university’s history, symbolizing its growing role in shaping inclusive academic policies and practices.
Leading the UNESCO Chair will be Professor Dr. Mohammad Ali Jinnah of the university’s Institute of Education and Research, who will serve as Chairholder. He will be supported by Professor Dr. Md. Ahsan Habib of the same institute, who has been appointed as Co-Chair. Together, they will guide the Chair’s efforts to advance inclusive education through research, teaching, training, community engagement, and policy advocacy.
While grounded in academic excellence, the initiative is designed to be more than an academic appointment. It aims to connect Bangladesh’s higher education system with global academic and research networks, allowing faculty, researchers, and students from Dhaka University to engage in collaborative projects with institutions around the world. The Chair will also provide a platform for dialogue and knowledge exchange on critical issues such as access, equity, and representation in higher education.
According to the terms of the agreement, Dhaka University will provide the infrastructure and logistical support necessary to carry out the Chair’s activities. The UNESCO Chair logo associated with the initiative will be used strictly according to UNESCO’s guidelines and will not be permitted for any commercial purposes.
The Chair’s work will focus on enhancing the skills of teachers through specialized training in inclusive education, encouraging research and publication on issues related to educational access and equity, and facilitating active student participation through seminars, discussions, and webinars. These efforts are intended to foster a more inclusive academic environment that supports diversity and creates equal opportunities for all learners.
The current term of the UNESCO Chair will remain in effect until June 30, 2029. Prior to the end of the term, a comprehensive evaluation of the Chair’s progress and impact will be conducted, and a renewal proposal will be submitted to UNESCO for consideration.
University officials have expressed hope that this new UNESCO Chair will set a national and regional example in promoting inclusive policies and international academic cooperation. They believe it will not only strengthen Bangladesh’s higher education system but also position the University of Dhaka as a key player in global conversations on inclusive and equitable education.
