The University Twinning and Networking (UNITWIN) Chairs is a UNESCO Programme launched in 1992 to enhance higher education capacities through knowledge sharing. By May 23, 2013, the programme totals 766 UNESCO Chairs. UNITWIN Network promotes international inter-university cooperation, knowledge sharing and collaborative work. These networks serve as bridge builders between academia, civil society, local communities, research and policy-making.
In accordance with the legislative texts of the UNESCO, the programme UNITWIN is open to any university institution which could adhere by creating a research/ teaching unit within their departments in key priority areas related to UNESCO’s fields of competence- i.e. education, the natural and social sciences, culture and communication.
UNITWIN/UNESCO Chair is established thanks to an agreement between the Director-General of the UNESCO and the Executive Head (Rector) of the university. The proposed institution to the adhesion to UNITWIN network should include, on the one hand a team of professors and researchers from the host institution and from other associated institutions, and on the other hand it should include students and researchers from the host country and from other countries who are pursuing postgraduate studies.
Up to date, Algeria has six UNITWIN/ UNESCO Chairs which are the following: