Symbiosis International University has launched Asia’s first UNESCO Chair on Gender Equality and Women’s Empowerment in April 2026, in collaboration with UNESCO. Best Book for Current Affairs & General Knowledge Preparation
The initiative aims to advance gender research, policy advocacy and capacity building in South Asia.
The UNESCO Chair programme promotes global academic cooperation by linking universities with international institutions. This chair will focus on gender justice, inclusive development and women-led leadership, aligning with Sustainable Development Goal 5 on gender equality.
Symbiosis International (Deemed University), based in Pune, becomes a key academic hub in Asia for interdisciplinary gender studies. The chair will facilitate research, training programmes and policy dialogue involving governments, NGOs and global institutions.
UNESCO Chairs are part of the UNITWIN (University Twinning and Networking) Programme launched in 1992. India hosts multiple UNESCO Chairs, but this is the first dedicated exclusively to gender equality in Asia.
The initiative is expected to strengthen evidence-based policymaking and grassroots implementation of gender-inclusive frameworks. It will also promote regional collaboration across South Asian countries facing similar socio-economic gender challenges.
India’s focus on women-led development, highlighted in G20 Presidency 2023, complements such institutional initiatives. The chair will contribute to capacity building in governance, education and workforce participation of women.
By integrating academic research with policy execution, the programme aims to address issues like gender disparity, access to education, workplace inclusion and leadership gaps in developing economies.
Expected Current Affairs Questions for UPSC CDS NDA and AFCAT Written Exam
Q1. The first UNESCO Chair on Gender Equality in Asia has been launched by:
A. Delhi University
B. Symbiosis International University
C. JNU
D. Tata Institute of Social Sciences
Answer: B
Explanation: Symbiosis International University, Pune launched Asia’s first UNESCO Gender Chair in collaboration with UNESCO.
Q2. UNESCO Chair Programme operates under which initiative?
A. SDG Framework
B. UNITWIN Programme
C. World Bank Initiative
D. UNDP Network
Answer: B
Explanation: UNESCO Chairs are established under the UNITWIN (University Twinning and Networking) Programme started in 1992.
Q3. The primary objective of the UNESCO Gender Chair is to:
A. Promote tourism studies
B. Enhance defence research
C. Advance gender equality and women empowerment
D. Develop infrastructure projects
Answer: C
Explanation: The chair focuses on gender equality, policy advocacy, and women’s empowerment aligned with SDG 5.
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