We acknowledge the huge honour and responsibility hosting these Chairs confers – and we’re fully committed to continuing our work in tackling the most pressing contemporary global challenges.

Launched in 1992, the UNESCO Chairs promote international cooperation, fostering collaborative research partnerships and networks that address urgent global challenges and advance the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDG).  

The work of all three of the University’s Chairs aligns with our Strategic Themes – advancing research and interventions across Vibrant and inclusive communities, Sport, health and wellbeing, and Climate change and net zero.  

Our UNESCO Chairs

Photograph of a small child holding a football

Sport, Physical Activity and Education for Development 

Our first UNESCO Chair – launched in 2022 and led by Professor Richard Giulianotti – works with UNESCO and a range of stakeholders to develop activities, programmes and strategies that benefit young people and their communities. 
Photograph of an arid valley.

Informatics and Multi-hazard Risk Reduction 

Established in 2022 and led by Professor Qiuhua Liang, this Chair harnesses cutting-edge high-performance computing and AI-driven data analytics to tackle complex, interacting risks – such as flooding and landslides caused by torrential rainfall. 

People raising their hands at an outdoor conference

Storytelling Education for Sustainability

Our newest Chair – led by Professor Mike Wilson – is already developing a range of initiatives that will use storytelling to enable public dialogue about the environment, education and health – giving a platform to often ignored communities. 

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