The Second Open Meeting of the Balkan UNESCO Chairs, organised by the UNESCO Chair for Business Administration (Chaire UNESCO pour la formation et la recherche appliquée au développement de l’entreprise dans les pays en conversion économique) within the Faculty of Business Administration, the Bucharest University of Economic Studies, Romania in partnership with the Romanian National Commission for UNESCO (CNR UNESCO), will bring together the Balkan UNESCO Chairs on the topic of topic of “Education for Entrepreneurship, Innovation and Sustainability in the Knowledge Economy”.

The meeting aims to explore common points of interest and to extend the bilateral and multilateral collaboration between the UNESCO chairs and UNITWIN networks, by initiating and developing common projects with regard to the United Nations Goals for Sustainable Development.

In order assure even more erudite input on the topic under discussion, we extended the circle of invited guests by some geographic close specialised chairs. A full list of invited Chairs can be accessed here. However, the meeting is open for any UNESCO chair, please contact us if you are interested to join the meeting.

BACKGROUND

In September 2015, the United Nations adopted a resolution setting an agenda for sustainable development “for people, planet and prosperity”: the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.

Following the success of the Millennium Development Goals, which came to end in 2015, the 2030 Agenda builds on their achievements and sets 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and 169 targets.

The 2030 Agenda represents a significant step forward in the recognition of the contribution of science, technology and innovation (STI) to sustainable development and as a driving force, not only for economic growth and prosperity, but also for environmental sustainability, development and social inclusion. The 2030 Agenda offers immense opportunities to reconnect science to society and to build a new basis for research and development as a key precondition for both science and society to flourish.

As the only UN agency with science in its mandate, UNESCO is at the heart of this initiative, through our intergovernmental scientific programmes, through our science education initiatives, through our Centres of Excellence, institutes and UNESCO Chairs and UNITWIN Networks.

The Conference is organised within the framework of the UNITWIN/UNESCO Chairs Programme, which celebrates its 25th anniversary this year. The success of this initiative is impressive and we count today more than 700 UNESCO Chairs and UNITWIN Networks worldwide, with more than 40 in the Balkan Region

Therefore, the UNESCO Chairs and UNITWIN Networks have an important role to play in the common effort to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals.

In this context, UNESCO Chairs and UNITWIN Networks from the Balkan Region will gather in Bucharest to build synergy and cooperation among themselves and with other specialised UNESCO Chairs.

SECOND OPEN MEETING OF THE BALKAN UNESCO CHAIRS DIRECTLY INVITED CHAIRS

 

Specialised Chair Country
1 UNESCO Chair on Energy Conservation and Renewable Energies (1996), Belarusian State Polytechnical Academy, Minsk (21) Belarus
2 Chaire UNESCO d’Innovation pour le développement durable (2004), Ecole Supérieure d’Ingénieurs de Marseille (ESIM), Marseille (651) France
3 Chaire UNESCO en innovation, transmission et édition numériques (ITEN) (2014), Université Paris 8 (1059) France
4 Chaire UNESCO « Sciences et ingénierie des matériaux : énergie environnement santé » (2014), Université de Strasbourg (1048) France
5 UNESCO Chair For Entrepreneurship and Intercultural Management (2010), The Bergische Universität Wuppertal (867) Germany
6 UNESCO Chair in Higher Education for Sustainable Development (2005), University of Lueneburg (687) Germany
7 UNESCO Chair on New paradigms and instruments for bio-cultural landscape management (2015), The Higher Institute on Territorial Systems for Innovation (SiTI), Torino (1110) Italy
8 UNESCO Chair in Energy for Sustainable Development (2012), Politecnico di Milano (966) Italy
9 UNESCO Chair on Teacher Education and Continuing education: Interplay of Tradition and Innovation in Education for Sustainable Development (2013), Daugavpils University (1016) Latvia
10 UNESCO Chair in Quality Teaching and Learning in Higher Education under the Conditions of Systemic Social and Economic Transformations (1996), University of Warmia and Mazury in Olsztyn, Olsztyn (169) Poland
11 UNESCO Chair in Institutional Research and Higher Education Policy (2012), Adam Mickiewicz University (984) Poland
12 UNESCO Chair in Policies of Higher Education (2000), Peoples’ Friendship University of Russia (PFUR), Moscow (509) Russia
13 UNESCO Chair on Psychology and Pedagogy of Higher Education (2007), at the Academy of Law and Management, Moscow (795) Russia
14 UNESCO Chair in Renewable Energy and Rural Electrification (1997), All – Russian Research Institute for Electrification of Agriculture, Moscow (192) Russia
15 Chair UNESCO-SA NOSTRA en Gestion d’entreprise et environnement (2001) Université des Illes Balears, Palma de Mallorca (566) Spain
16 Chaire UNESCO d’Innovation et gestion de la culture entrepreneuriale dans le cadre universitaire (2006), Université de Santiago de Compostelle (739) Spain
17 UNESCO Chair on Science and Innovation for Sustainable Development: Global Food Production and Safety (2014), Universidad Nacional de Educación a Distancia and Fundación TRIPTOLEMOS (1065) Spain
18 UNESCO Chair on gender equality policies in science, technology and innovation (2016), Universidad Politécnica de Madrid (1144) Spain
19 UNESCO Chair in Research Management and Innovation Systems (2010), Lund University (868) Sweden
20 UNESCO Chair in Higher Education Management (2000), University of Bath, Bath (504) UK

 

 

Balkan Chairs Country
1  UNESCO Chair on Multiculturalism, Intercultural dialogue and Human Rights in the Balkans (1129), Marin Barleti University (2016) Albania
2  UNESCO Chair on Culture of Peace and Human Rights (1998), Bourgas Free University, Bourgas (45) Bulgaria
3  UNESCO Chair in Innovation, Entrepreneurship and Change Management (2011)-Technical University of Sofia, Sofia (931) Bulgaria
4  UNESCO Chair on ICTs in Library Studies, Education and Cultural Heritage (2012), State University of Library Studies and Information Technologies (1000) Bulgaria
5 UNESCO Chair in Communication and Public Relations, Sofia University „St Kliment Ohridski” , within the framework of ORBICOM Network, (Bulgaria) Bulgaria
6  UNESCO Chair in Governance and Management of Higher Education (2003), University of Zagreb, Zagreb (609) Croatia
7  UNESCO Chair in Entrepreneurship Education (2008), J.J. Strossmayer University in Osijek (801) Croatia
8  UNESCO Chair on the Free Movement of People, Migration and Inter-Cultural Dialogue (2014), University of Zagreb (1060) Croatia
9  UNESCO Chair on the Social Sciences and Medical Humanities (2016), University of Rijeka (1128) Croatia
10  UNESCO Chair on Cultural Diversity and Intercultural Dialogue for a Culture of Peace (2004), l Diversity and Intercultural Dialogue for a Culture of Peace, Nicosia (669) Cyprus
11  UNESCO Chair on Gender Equality and Women’s Empowerment (2009), University of Cyprus (864) Cyprus
12  UNESCO Chair in Media, Dialogue and Mutual Understanding (2011), The School of Journalism and Public Relations (944) FYR Macedonia
13  UNESCO Chair in Intercultural Studies and Research (2014), The University St Cyril and Methodius, Skopje (1061) FYR Macedonia
14  UNESCO Chair on Education for Human Rights and Peace (1997), Aristotle University of Thessaloniki (AUT), Thessaloniki (99) Greece
15  Chaire UNESCO de politique interculturelle pour une citoyenneté active et solidaire (2004), Université de Macédoine, Thessaloniki (654) Greece
16  UNESCO Chair on Natural Hazards in the Geosphere, the Hydrosphere and the Atmosphere (2006), National Observatory of Athens (751) Greece
17  UNESCO Chair in Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs) in education for sustainable development (2008), University of Crete (799) Greece
18  UNESCO Chair in Human Rights, Democracy and Peace (2010), The Panteion University of Social and Political Sciences (905) Greece
19  UNESCO Chair in Adolescent Health Care (2010), The University of Athens (909) Greece
20  UNESCO Chair on Sustainable Development Management and Education in the Mediterranean (2012), National and Kapodistrian University of Athens (983) Greece
21  UNESCO Chair on Solid Earth Physics and Geohazards Risk Reduction (2015), Technological Educational Institute of Crete (1113) Greece
22   UNESCO Chair on Conservation and Ecotourism of Riparian and Deltaic Ecosystems (2016), Eastern Macedonia and Thrace Institute of Technology, Kavala (1159) Greece
23 UNESCO Chair / Network in contemporary history of the Balkans, Ionian University, Corfu (Greece) Greece
24 UNESCO Chair/ International Network of Water-Environment Centres for the Balkans on “Sustainable Management on Water and Conflict Resolution” (618), established in 2003 at the Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki Greece
25  UNESCO Chair in Education for Democratic Citizenship and Human Rights (2005), University of Montenegro, Niksic (671) Montenegro
26  Chaire UNESCO pour la formation et la recherche appliquée au développement de l’entreprise dans les pays en conversion économique (1995), Académie des études économiques de Bucarest, Bucharest (176) Romania
27  Département Chaire UNESCO d’Etude des Echanges Interculturels et Interreligieux (1999), Université de Bucarest, Bucharest (462) Romania
28  UNESCO Chair in Information Technologies (2000), University of Oradea, Oradea (480) Romania
29  UNESCO Chair on Sustainable Development through research and education in modern physics (2010), The Horia Hulubei Foundation (882) Romania
30  UNESCO Chair in Quality Management of Higher Education and Lifelong Learning (2011), Lucian Blaga University of Sibiu (927) Romania
31  UNESCO Chair on Science and Innovation Policies (2012), National School of Political Studies and Public Administration (982) Romania
32 UNESCO Chair in Engineering Sciences : Energy and Environment Programme, Polytechnic University of Bucharest Romania
33 UNESCO-Cousteau International Ecotechnie Chair/Network, University of Bucharest Romania
34 UNESCO Chair in Integrated Rural Development, Universitatea de Stiinte Agronomice si Medicina Veterinara Bucuresti Romania
35  UNESCO Chair in Studies of Interculturalism, Art and Cultural Management and Mediation in the Balkans (2004), The University of Arts in Belgrade, Belgrade (649) Serbia
36  UNESCO Chair in Entrepreneurial Studies and Research (2008), the University of Novi Sad (798) Serbia
37  UNESCO Chair in Water for Ecologically Sustainable Development (2012), The University of Belgrade (969) Serbia
38  UNESCO Chair on Karst Education (2014), University of Nova Gorica (1070) Slovenia
39  UNESCO Chair on Open Technologies for Open Educational Resources and Open Learning (2014), The Jožef Stefan Institute, Ljubljana (1080) Slovenia
40  UNESCO Chair on water-related disaster risk reduction (2016), University of Ljubljana (1134) Slovenia
41  UNESCO Chair on Mechatronics (1993), Bogaziçi University, Istanbul (263) Turkey
42  UNESCO Chair in Computer – Integrated Manufacturing (1997), University of Galatasaray, Istanbul (264) Turkey
43  UNESCO Chair in Philosophy and Human Rights (2009), Maltepe University (841) Turkey
44  UNESCO Chair on the Management and Promotion of World Heritage Sites: New Media and Community Involvement (2015), Kadir Has University (1088) Turkey
45  UNESCO Chair on Cultural Diplomacy, Governance and Education (2015), Istanbul Aydin University (1089) Turkey
46  UNESCO Chair on Improvement in Gender Equality and the Empowerment of Women (2016), Giresun University (1127) Turkey
47  UNESCO Chair on gender equality and sustainable development (2016), Koç University (1130) Turkey
48  UNESCO Chair on Education for Sustainable Peace (2016), Istanbul Aydin University (1192) Turkey
49  UNESCO Chair on International Migration (2016), Yaşar University (1201) Turkey

I. CONTEXT

The concept of promoting qualitative and relevant education is considered to be the main pillar for improving the quality of life and implementing sustainable development goals.

Many researchers have pointed out that the interdisciplinary approach to education for sustainable development and corporate social responsibility is the key in the context of diversity.   (Eagan et al., 2002; Dale &Newman, 2005; Summers et al., 2005; Luppi, 2011) Experts from different disciplines and professionals should cooperate in order to achieve the sustainable development goals, in an integrated way. (Diab-Annan & Molinari, 2017) Students, together with their teachers, have also an important role in adopting social and environmental issues through interdisciplinarity, with impact on their everyday life.  (Kysilka, 1998; Newman, 2005; Jain et al., 2013)

A number of 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) were formally adopted in 2015, with the main purpose to end extreme poverty, protect the environment and promote prosperity for everybody. (https://sustainabledevelopment.un.org/?menu=1300) The Sustainable Development Goal 4 (https://en.unesco.org/node/265600), together with Education 2030 Framework for Action (http://unesdoc.unesco.org/images/0024/002456/245656E.pdf ) represent the main issues for Education in the 21st century. Within the UNESCO priority area of Education, there can be found 20% of the UNESCO Chairs and UNITWIN Networks. (http://en.unesco.org/countries)

Sustainability should be implemented throughout the entire Curriculum, closely monitored by the accreditation bodies, and, the Interdisciplinary approach to education should be a main priority.

“Education is a human right for all throughout life and that access must be matched by quality” – (UNESCO, 2017)

II. OBJECTIVES

  • To celebrate and highlight the contribution of UNESCO’s existing network of Chairs, together with the Networks in Education within the Balkan Peninsula, to education for entrepreneurship, innovation and sustainability.
  • To approach the issue of implementation of the Education 2030 Framework for action.
  • To discuss the progress of the implementation of the Sustainable Development Goal 4 Quality education.
  • To showcase and discuss persistent challenges in higher education, such as Curriculum and Interdisciplinary approach.

III. EXPECTED OUTCOMES

  • The expected outcome is the Bucharest Milestone 2017, a policy action towards implementation with success of the Education 2030 Agenda.
  • The follow-up Action Plan of the Bucharest Milestone will be submitted for consultation to the UNESCO Chairs and Networks in Education from Balkan Peninsula in 2018.

IV. IMPACT

  • UNESCO’s existing network of Chairs, together with the Networks in Education within the Balkan Peninsula, will conclude with the adoption of the Bucharest Milestone 2017, an instrument for the UNESCO Chairs from Balkan States to sustain and influence the implementation of the Education 2030 Framework for action, with the purpose of implementing the Sustainable Development Goal 4 Quality education.
  • This will come as a continuation of the Incheon Declaration for Education 2030 adopted in 2015, on behalf of the World Education Forum 2015 from 19-22 May 2015 in Incheon, hosted by the Republic of Korea. This forum organized by UNESCO, in partnership with UNICEF, the World Bank, UNFPA, UNDP, UN Women and UNHCR brought together over 1600 participants from 160 countries. The Incheon Declaration for Education 2030 sets out a new vision for education for the following years.
  • The Bucharest Milestone will guide the UNESCO Chairs in Education from Balkans, in close link with the UNESCO Chairs, to generate and develop new tools to help Member States address the challenges raised by the Sustainable Development Goals in Education.
  • The Bucharest Milestone will underline the need for interdisciplinarity and transdisciplinarity in connecting science, society and policy and sharing knowledge widely.

V. ACTIVITIES

  • Activities at Second Open Meeting of Balkan UNESCO Chairs on “Education for Entrepreneurship, Innovation and Sustainability in the Knowledge Economy” in Bucharest, ROMANIA, will include an official ceremony with keynote speeches, workshops, networking and media presence.
  •  The UNESCO Chairholders Workshop can be framed within the following broad questions:
  1. How can we better integrate the sustainability concept and values into the curricula in the context of diversity?
  2. How can we more effectively implement interdisciplinary education for sustainable development?
  3. How can we further develop partnerships between UNESCO Chairs and other stakeholders for research, innovation and mobility, under the framework of various European programs (Horizon 2020, Erasmus+, Danube Transnational Program, European Commission)?
  • The Workshop on Innovation in the Energy Sector brings together PhD students, MBA Energy students, Business representatives from energy sector.
  • Countries are invited to prepare Second Open Meeting of Balkan UNESCO Chairs on “Education for Entrepreneurship, Innovation and Sustainability in the Knowledge Economy” in line with the topic. Wide dissemination and media is encouraged.

THURSDAY, THE 26TH OF OCTOBER

Bucharest University of Economic Studies
Piața Romană 6, București 010374
Madgearu Room

 09:30 – 10:30  Registration
10:00 – 12:30 OPENING SESSION

Chair: Prof. Alina Mihaela Dima, PhD, Director of UNESCO Chair for Business Administration

Opening remarks:

·         Prof. Dorel Paraschiv, PhD, Vice-Rector, Bucharest University of Economic Studies

·         Igor Kitaev, Programme Specialist Education, UNESCO

·         Adrian Cioroianu, the Romanian Ambassador to UNESCO

·         Lucian Romașcanu, Minister, Ministry for Culture and National Identity

·         Prof. Petru Andea, PhD, State Secretary, Ministry for National Education

·         Adrian Dobre, State Secretary, Ministry for Business Environment, Commerce and Entrepreneurship

·         Prof. Adrian Curaj, PhD, GM, Executive Unit for Financing Higher Education, Research, Development and Innovation

·         Daniela Popescu, Expert, Romanian National Commission for UNESCO
 12:00 – 12:30  [Official Photo, Press Conference]
 12:30 – 14:00  Networking Lunch (Cafeteria, 3rd floor) 
 14:00 – 16:00  UNESCO Chairholders Workshop (1st part)

Facilitator:

·         Prof. Alina Mihaela Dima, PhD; UNESCO Chair for Business Administration, Romania

·         Prof. Adrian Curaj, PhD; UNESCO Chair for Business Administration, Romania

·         Assoc. Prof. Tănase Stamule, PhD; UNESCO Chair for Business Administration, Romania

Raporteurs:

·         Prof. Simona Vasilache, PhD; UNESCO Chair for Business Administration, Romania

·         Simon Kleinert, UNESCO Chair in Entrepreneurship and Intercultural Management, Germany

Keynote Speech:

·         Igor Kitaev; Programme Specialist Education, UNESCO Prof.

·         Constantin Brătianu, PhD; UNESCO Chair for Business Administration, Romania

Participants’ Round Table

Resource Panelists

·         Assoc. Prof. Anca Bogdan, PhD, Director of International Relations, Bucharest University of Economic Studies, Romania

·         Prof. Mihaela Dan, PhD, UNESCO Chair for Business Administration, Romania

·         Prof. Adriana Mihnea, PhD, UNESCO Chair for Business Administration, Romania

·         Prof. Carmen Păunescu, PhD, UNESCO Chair for Business Administration, Romania

·         Assoc. Prof. Corina Pelău, PhD, UNESCO Chair for Business Administration, Romania

·         Prof. Adrian-Dumitru Tanțău, PhD, UNESCO Chair for Business Administration, Romania

·         Prof. Simona Vasilache, PhD, UNESCO Chair for Business Administration, Romania

Discussions & Recommendations
 16:00 – 16:30  Coffee Break
 16:30 – 18:00  UNESCO Chairholders Workshop (2nd part)

Facilitators:

·         Prof. Carmen Păunescu, PhD; UNESCO Chair for Business Administration, Romania

·         Prof. Michael Scoullos, PhD; UNESCO Chair on Sustainable Development Management and Education in the Mediterranean, Greece

Raporteurs:

·         Prof. Simona Vasilache, PhD; UNESCO Chair for Business Administration, Romania

·         Prof. Milen Baltov, PhD; UNESCO Chair on Culture of Peace and Human Rights, Bulgaria
 19:00 – 22:00  Networking Dinner 

Casa Doina Reastaurant

Bd. Pavel Dimitrievici Kiseleff 4 011344 București

FRIDAY, THE 27TH OF OCTOBER

Bucharest University of Economic Studies
Faculty for Business Administration
Calea Griviței 2-2A, București 010731
Victor Slăvescu Building

10:00 – 13:00 Optional Social Program

Visit to the Romanian Parliament Palace
 13:30 – 15:00  Networking Lunch
 15:30 – 16:00 Closing remarks
 16:00 – 18:00
Workshop on Innovation in the Energy Sector (PhD students, academic stuff, MBA Energy students, business representatives of energy sector)

Moderator: Prof. Adrian Tanțău, PhD; UNESCO Chair for Business Administration, Romania
CLOSING SESSION

CONTACT

UNESCO Chair for Business Administration
Director Alina Mihaela Dima, PhD,
The Bucharest University of Economic Studies
National Commission of Romania for UNESCO (CNR UNESCO)