IACIU
Institute for African Culture and International Understanding.
(A UNESCO Category 2 Institute)
Olusegun Obasanjo Presidential Library, Ogun State, Nigeria.
Programmes & Projects
Programmes
The programmatic objectives and purposes of the institute and its scope of activities correspond with the overarching objective of the new Medium-Term Strategy of the Organization for 2008-2013 (34 C/4), entitled “Fostering cultural diversity, intercultural dialogue and a culture of peace”.
Furthermore, they relate to the strategic programme objective of document 34 C/4, entitled “demonstrating the importance of exchange and dialogue among cultures to social cohesion and reconciliation in order to develop a culture of peace”. Similar complementarities exist with respect to the biennial sectoral priorities for Major Programme IV for 2008-2009 (34 C/5).
Through this programmatic alignment, the new institute can make a contribution to and help advance the implementation of UNESCO’s overarching and strategic programme objectives through supplementary and complementary activities and mechanisms at national, regional and international levels.
It is envisaged that UNESCO’s advice will be sought regarding programme development and design.
Around the world
Strategy
IACIU aims to foster capacities and knowledge through activities that promote cultural linkages and international understanding among peoples of Africa and the rest of the world. The Institute will concentrate its action on the analysis of emerging challenges and strive to find a pathway for deploying salient elements of African culture to foster international understanding, and support dialogue among civilisations and cultures all over the world, with particular respect to issues concerning democracy and good governance.
Priority will also be assigned to strengthening policy-oriented research and the research-policy linkages in areas of key relevance Africa such as to poverty eradication, migration, urban issues, youth, gender equality. This will be done in cooperation with CODESRIA and other African research networks with interest in African cultures and the promotion of international understanding.
Particular attention will be paid to the implementation of the Plan of Action for the Second Decade of Education for Africa, the Linguistic Action Plan for Africa, the Action Plan for the promotion of Cultural Industries for Africa’s Development, the decision on the link between education and culture, the NEPAD Education and Culture Action Plan, the Solemn Declaration on Gender Equality (AU) and the decisions on African youth (AU).
The Institute’s programmes will draw on the discussions and recommendations of the UNESCO Committee for NEPAD and the perspectives offered by South-South cooperation and cooperation with the African diaspora. AU/NEPAD sectoral action plans on education, culture, science and technology, environment, and its frameworks of action for youth and women will also be referenced in the Institute’s work.
Scope of Activities
The scope of activities envisaged also responds to the Charter of African Cultural Renaissance adopted by Heads of State and Government of the African Union in Khartoum, in January 2006. The Charter underlines, among others, the important link between culture and education at all levels as well as the need to root African cultural values in education. UNESCO is collaborating closely with the African Union in the translation of the Charter into operational activities. The Institute could make an important contribution in this regard.
Education and Capacity Building
The Institute will plan towards offering diploma programmes in affiliation with the:
1. Institute of African Studies,
2. University of Ibadan; O.A.U., Ile-Ife;
3. Usmanu Dan Fodiyyo University, Sokoto;
4. Osun State University;
5. University of Nigeria, Nsukka;
6. Centre for Black and African Arts and Civilisation (CBAAC);
7. University of Nairobi; University of Cape Town;
8. University of Ghana; University of Cairo; and universities in other parts of the world with strength in the two areas of focus of the Institute- Culture and International Understanding. Institutional capacity building will be stressed.
Scope of Activities
The scope of activities envisaged also responds to the Charter of African Cultural Renaissance adopted by Heads of State and Government of the African Union in Khartoum, in January 2006. The Charter underlines, among others, the important link between culture and education at all levels as well as the need to root African cultural values in education. UNESCO is collaborating closely with the African Union in the translation of the Charter into operational activities. The Institute could make an important contribution in this regard.
Partnership and Networks
IACIU will serve increasingly as a galvanising and integrating force within the emerging new institutional landscape consisting of national, regional and international institutions with similar interest. In the 2010-2011 biennium, the Institute will be committed to mobilising stakeholders in the promotion of African cultures, bringing together partners in the North and the South and continue to promote creative and innovative partnerships among collaborating institutions.
Research
The main research themes will take into account the thematic thrusts of the Institute- Culture and International Understanding, in relation to societal drivers. There will be a strong emphasis on action and applied research that will inform practice in the promotion of cultural linkages and international understanding.