Informazioni
The UNESCO Chair on “Water Resources Management and Culture,” established in Perugia in 2013 through an Agreement between UNESCO, the University for Foreigners of Perugia, and the Honors Center of Italian Universities (H2CU), is included among the Water-related UNESCO Chairs.
Based at the University for Foreigners of Perugia, the Chair was officially ratified on June 5, 2013 in Paris by UNESCO Director-General Irina Bokova, under an agreement that specifically defines its mission: [...] Art. 2 The purpose of the Chair is to promote an integrated system of research, training, information and documentation on water management. It aims to foster collaboration among distinguished, internationally recognized researchers and faculty from the University and other institutions in Italy, as well as in Europe, Africa, Asia, and other regions around the world.
The specific objectives of the Chair are to:
- further develop the existing six-month course in Integrated Water Resources Management (IWRM), combining technical and cultural dimensions, and provide training for students, faculty, water and development professionals, water utilities, institutional policymakers, and trainers
- conduct joint research with partners to advance knowledge that informs innovative and interdisciplinary strategies for water management, and widely disseminate the outcomes; support the creation of a network of experts and institutions to enhance collaboration and the exchange of knowledge and good practices in water management
- promote the development of scientific, social, and management support systems to facilitate and strengthen cooperation among relevant institutions at national and regional levels
- collaborate closely with UNESCO on relevant programs and initiatives, particularly the International Hydrologic Programme and the World Water Assessment Program within the scope of related activities.
The Chair is part of the UNESCO University Twinning and Networking (UNITWIN) Programme, which aims to foster networks and partnerships among universities. Established in 1992, the UNITWIN/UNESCO Chairs Programme seeks to advance higher education research and training by promoting inter-university cooperation and cross-border knowledge transfer for development projects. UNESCO Chairs and UNITWIN Networks fulfill a dual role as “think tanks” and “bridge builders” among academia, civil society, local communities, research bodies, and policy makers.
Persone
Chiara Biscarini Chairholder
Chairholder in Water Resources Management and Culture
Full Professor of Water Engineering
Università per Stranieri di Perugia