UNESCO: Renewal of the UNESCO Chair on Threats to Cultural Heritage and Cultural Heritage-related Activities until 2029

It is with great pleasure to announce the official renewal of the UNESCO Chair on Threats to Cultural Heritage and Cultural Heritage-related Activities (ID 2021GR1482) by UNESCO’s Future of Learning and Innovation Division. Initially established in 2021, the Chair’s mandate has been formally extended and will remain valid until 31 December 2029.

Under the continued leadership of Professor Stavros Katsios as Chairholder, the Chair will further its vital mission within UNESCO's Culture Sector through cutting-edge research, specialized teaching, training, community action, and strategic communication. Over the next mandate, the Chair will heavily focus its efforts on the protection and promotion of cultural heritage by expanding community engagement and fostering international cooperation.

In alignment with UNESCO’s latest strategic priorities and global recommendations, the Chair is embarking on several key initiatives during this new cycle:

• Open Science & Educational Resources: Fully aligning with the 2021 Recommendation on Open Science and the 2019 Recommendation on Open Educational Resources, the Chair will ensure that its research, publications, and instructional materials are made universally available via Open Access.

• International & Interuniversity Collaboration: The Chair will deepen its integration with the global UNITWIN/UNESCO Chairs Network, contributing directly to intellectual dialogues, ethical reflections, and standard-setting processes driving global public policy.

• Synergetic Research & Communications: Backed by closer communication with designated UNESCO focal points at the Culture and Emergencies Entity and the Emergency Operations and Programs Unit, the Chair will continuously update its digital platforms to showcase emerging research on cultural heritage preservation.

A Note of Gratitude from the Chairholder

"On the milestone of this institutional renewal, the UNESCO Chair wishes to express its deepest gratitude to the Rector of the Ionian University, Professor Andreas Floros, and the members of the University Administration Council. Their unwavering institutional support, constant encouragement, and profound commitment have been the structural bedrock ensuring the success, impact, and global outreach of our Chair's activities. We look forward to their continued partnership as we champion knowledge sharing, strengthen interuniversity collaboration, and elevate the international academic standing of the Ionian University on the global stage."