Activities
Tangible Action Outputs and Capacity Building (2026 - 2030)
Leadership Qualification
The UNESCO Chair is committed to strengthening leadership capacity in transboundary water management by training and empowering at least 120 policymakers and water diplomats within its first four years. This effort is achieved through a combination of advanced postgraduate programs, including Master’s and PhD degrees, as well as specialized intensive training courses tailored to regional needs. The programs are designed to equip participants with the technical knowledge, negotiation skills, and governance expertise required to address complex water-sharing challenges. By fostering a new generation of skilled professionals, the Chair enhances institutional capacity and supports evidence-based decision-making. Participants also benefit from exposure to interdisciplinary approaches and international best practices. Ultimately, this initiative contributes to more effective cooperation and sustainable management of shared water resources.
Sustainable and Inclusive Education
The UNESCO Chair is dedicated to promoting sustainable and inclusive education by providing fully funded scholarships to African researchers, with a strong emphasis on equity and accessibility. In line with this commitment, at least 60% of the scholarships are allocated to women and youth, recognizing their critical role as drivers of innovation and agents of change in water governance. These opportunities aim to reduce barriers to higher education and empower underrepresented groups to actively participate in addressing regional water challenges. Through advanced academic programs and capacity-building initiatives, beneficiaries gain the knowledge and skills needed to contribute effectively to sustainable development. The Chair also fosters an inclusive learning environment that values diversity and collaboration. Ultimately, this approach strengthens regional expertise while promoting gender equality and youth engagement in the water sector.
Applied Scientific Research
The UNESCO Chair advances applied scientific research by leading collaborative initiatives that utilize cutting-edge technologies such as Remote Sensing, Geographic Information Systems (GIS), and hydrological modeling. These integrated approaches enable researchers to better understand complex water systems and assess the impacts of climate variability and change on transboundary resources. By combining data-driven analysis with field-based insights, the Chair supports the development of accurate predictive models and evidence-based solutions. This research helps inform proactive strategies for water allocation, risk management, and long-term planning. It also encourages knowledge exchange among regional and international partners to enhance innovation and technical capacity. Ultimately, these efforts contribute to more resilient and sustainable management of shared water resources.
Decision Support
The UNESCO Chair plays a key role in supporting evidence-based decision-making by producing and disseminating high-quality policy briefs. Over the course of its program, the Chair aims to publish at least five policy briefs addressing critical challenges in transboundary water management and governance. These publications are designed to translate scientific research into clear, actionable recommendations for policymakers and institutions. By leveraging UNESCO’s extensive networks, the briefs are widely shared across the continent to reach relevant stakeholders and decision-makers. This process helps inform institutional reforms, strengthen governance frameworks, and promote best practices. Ultimately, the initiative contributes to more effective, coordinated, and sustainable water management at national and regional levels.