UNESCO Collaboration

Our UNESCO Partnership

The African Institute in Indigenous Knowledge Systems (AIIKS) is proud to collaborate with the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) in our shared mission to preserve, promote, and integrate indigenous knowledge systems for sustainable development.

This strategic partnership aligns with UNESCO's mandate to build peace through international cooperation in Education, the Sciences and Culture, and with the UN Sustainable Development Goals, particularly those related to quality education, cultural heritage preservation, and environmental sustainability.

Official UNESCO Partner Since 2022

Key Collaborative Initiatives

Local & Indigenous Knowledge Systems (LINKS) Program

AIIKS is a key implementing partner for UNESCO's LINKS program in Africa, which focuses on:

Documenting and safeguarding indigenous knowledge
Promoting intergenerational transmission
Integrating indigenous knowledge with scientific knowledge
Supporting indigenous knowledge holders and their communities

Indigenous Languages Preservation

As part of UNESCO's International Decade of Indigenous Languages (2022-2032), AIIKS leads initiatives to:

Document endangered indigenous languages across Africa
Develop educational materials in indigenous languages
Train community members in language documentation
Create digital archives of indigenous linguistic heritage

Biocultural Diversity Conservation

In collaboration with UNESCO's Man and the Biosphere (MAB) Programme, AIIKS works on:

Integrating indigenous knowledge into biodiversity conservation
Supporting indigenous-led conservation initiatives
Documenting traditional ecological knowledge
Promoting sustainable resource management practices

Education for Sustainable Development

Supporting UNESCO's Education for Sustainable Development framework, AIIKS leads projects to:

Integrate indigenous knowledge into formal education curricula
Develop teaching resources on indigenous knowledge systems
Train educators on indigenous pedagogical approaches
Establish community learning centers for intergenerational knowledge transfer

UNESCO Chair in Indigenous Knowledge Systems

AIIKS hosts the UNESCO Chair in Indigenous Knowledge Systems, established in 2023 as part of the UNITWIN/UNESCO Chairs Programme. The Chair promotes an integrated system of research, training, information, and documentation on indigenous knowledge systems.

"The UNESCO Chair at AIIKS represents a significant milestone in recognizing the importance of indigenous knowledge systems in addressing contemporary global challenges."

— UNESCO Director-General

Joint Publications & Resources

AIIKS and UNESCO have collaborated on several key publications and resources to advance the understanding and application of indigenous knowledge systems:

Indigenous Knowledge for Climate Resilience

UNESCO-AIIKS Joint Publication, 2023

A comprehensive guide on how indigenous knowledge systems can contribute to climate change adaptation and mitigation strategies.

Safeguarding Oral Traditions in Africa

UNESCO-AIIKS Policy Brief, 2022

Policy recommendations for preserving and promoting oral traditions as repositories of indigenous knowledge.

Indigenous Pedagogies in Formal Education

UNESCO-AIIKS Toolkit, 2023

Practical guidance for integrating indigenous teaching and learning approaches into formal education systems.

Traditional Medicine Database

UNESCO-AIIKS Digital Resource, 2024

A searchable database of traditional medicinal plants and practices from across Africa, with ethical protocols for access and use.