DHAKA, June 25, 2025 (BSS) – The University of Dhaka has stepped ahead toward the global inclusion of higher education through establishing UNESCO Chair in the university.

The inaugural ceremony of the chair titled "Inclusion in Higher Education Systems," marked a significant move in placing Bangladesh’s academic initiatives with a global network bridging over 125 countries under the UNITWIN/UNESCO Chairs Programme.

This move puts DU among more than 1,000 institutions worldwide hosts of UNESCO Chairs, and promotes international collaboration, knowledge exchange, and joint research opportunities.

The Chair was officially established through a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed by DU Vice-Chancellor Professor Dr. Niaz Ahmed Khan and UNESCO Director-General Audrey Azoulay. 

The initiative will be led by Professor Dr. Mohammad Ali Jinnah of DU’s Institute of Education and Research, with Professor Dr. Md Ahsan Habib serving as Co-Chair holder.

The aim of establishing the chair focuses on improving research, education, training, community outreach, and policy dialogue centred on inclusive education, equity, and sustainable development in higher education systems. 

This initiative will provide DU’s faculty, researchers, and students with direct access to international academic partnerships, including joint research and education programs.

Core objectives of the Chair include: building teacher capacity through specialized training in inclusive education, promoting academic publications on higher education inclusion, encouraging student engagement in global seminars, webinars, and policy discussions.

The Chair’s first term will be valid until June 30 of 2029, with performance evaluations and renewal plans to be conducted before the term expires.

All activities under the Chair will strictly cling to UNESCO’s guidelines, including regulations on the non-commercial use of its logo.