Establishment of UNITWIN Network of UNESCO in the University of Isfahan
The UNITWIN Network of UNESCO is a global initiative aimed at fostering collaboration among universities and higher education institutions. Established in 1992, it promotes international cooperation and knowledge sharing in various fields, including education, culture, and science. The network encourages the establishment of "UNESCO Chairs" at universities to enhance research and teaching in areas aligned with UNESCO's objectives, such as sustainable development, cultural diversity, and human rights. By connecting academic institutions worldwide, UNITWIN facilitates the exchange of ideas, best practices, and innovative solutions to address global challenges.
The University of Isfahan, through the Initiative of the Faculty of Civil Engineering and Transportation, intends to establish the "UNITWIN Network on Structural Restoration and Disaster Risk Management of Architectural Heritage." This UNITWIN Network aims to tackle the pressing challenges faced by architectural heritage sites in two realms of: 1) structural restoration and 2) disaster risk management. This collaborative network will unite the expertise of including leading Asian, African, South American and European universities, intergovernmental organizations, government entities, and other institutions to promote interdisciplinary research, education, and community engagement in preserving and protecting architectural heritage.
The partners of this Network are Iranian Ministry of Cultural Heritage, Tourism and Handicrafts (MCTH), Economic Cooperation Organization Science Foundation (ECOSF), International Centre for the Study of the Preservation and Restoration of Cultural Property (ICCROM), four Asian universities, an African university, five European universities, and a South American university.