UNESCO Chair in Cultural Heritage Management and Sustainability
Fostering Innovation and Sustainable Preservation Practices
UNESCO Chair in Cultural Heritage Management and Sustainability
Established in 2011 and integrated into the Institute of Advanced Studies Kőszeg (iASK) in 2017, through collaboration with the collaboration of University of Pannonia the UNESCO Chair in Cultural Heritage Management and Sustainability serves as a regional centre for enhancing cultural heritage preservation and innovative research.
Led by Professor Dr. Ferenc Miszlivetz, the Chair promotes UNESCO’s core values and aims to advance practices related to the redevelopment, safeguarding, and sustainable use of cultural heritage sites. The Chair's main goals are to foster socio-economic benefits and community engagement through cultural heritage projects, promote best practices via research and collaboration, and encourage interdisciplinary approaches and international dialogue in education. To facilitate dialogue, knowledge exchange, and development in cultural heritage management, the Chair organises various events, such as the UNESCO MOST Winter School, the
International Summer University at iASK Kőszeg, and the European Blue Sky Conference.
Our mission
The UNESCO Chair in Cultural Heritage Management and Sustainability’s mission is to promote an integrated system and interdisciplinary approach of research, training, information on cultural heritage management and sustainability.
It acts as a platform for facilitating collaboration between high-level, internationally recognized researchers and teaching staff of the University of Pannonia, the Institute of Advanced Studies Kőszeg and other higher education institutions, public and civic organizations worldwide.
The Chair serves as a centre for the collection, production and dissemination of new knowledge, research results, ideas and best practices in cultural heritage management and sustainability.
Specific objectives of the Chair
- expand the new understanding and concept of cultural heritage management and sustainability;
- raise awareness on current trends in local and regional development, environmental and governmental bodies, higher education institutions and academic research;
- contribute to the democratisation of decision-making in this field;
- integrate ecological and environmental considerations into urban and regional development;
- explore the economic benefits and potential for an interdisciplinary approach to cultural heritage management with special regard to urban and micro-regional development, cultural and creative tourism;
- implement an international Master’s programme in cultural heritage management and sustainability and training programmes for lifelong learning.
Campus
The University of Pannonia, headquartered in Veszprém with campuses in Nagykanizsa, Zalaegerszeg, and Ajka, provides an unrivalled opportunity to acquire cutting-edge knowledge in the fields of humanities, economics, IT, education, social and natural sciences, as well as to engage in professional and research activities beyond the academic curriculum.
The academic weight of the institution is also reflected in its five accredited doctoral schools, and its internationally renowned and recognised research has been successfully included in various national and European Union competitions.
As a key player in economic development, the University of Pannonia facilitates the integration of the competitive sector, business, local government and central government in regional and cross-border education, research and development programmes.
Beyond teaching and research, the University fulfills its third mission by actively contributing to regional economic and socio-cultural development. Through partnerships with industry, government, and communities, it promotes innovation, sustainability, and knowledge transfer to address real-world challenges.
Located in Western Hungary, the Institute of Advanced Studies Kőszeg (iASK) is a vibrant academic environment where multidisciplinarity and critical thinking thrive.
The Institute of Advanced Studies Kőszeg fosters a community of open-minded and innovative practitioners, thus brings together exceptional students who are eager to participate in a dynamic academic life.
It also blends the Kőszeg town’s rich historical atmosphere with forward-looking education perfectly.
Kőszeg: „where the future starts.”
Key focus areas
- Cultural Heritage and Tourism
- Environmental Protection and Sustainability
- Digital Culture and Human Sciences
- Arts and Literature
- Gastronomy and Viticulture as Heritage, Local and Micro Heritage
Hungarian National Commission for UNESCO
The Chair has a long-standing collaboration with the Hungarian National Commission for UNESCO, dating back to the beginning of 2011. The Commission grants patronage to selected activities of the Chair and provides comprehensive support and promotion for all initiatives undertaken by the Chair. The Commission supports the Chair in establishing stronger connections with various institutions in the Global South.
NETWORK OF UNITWIN/UNESCO CHAIRS
The UNITWIN/UNESCO Chairs Programme fosters global collaboration among universities to advance education, science, culture, and communication. Through a worldwide network, it supports UNESCO’s mission by addressing key societal challenges and shaping policy. The UNESCO Chair in Cultural Heritage Management and Sustainability is associated with the activities of different chairs and inter-university networks, and the activities of similar Chairs in other regions of the world, in particular through North-South-South cooperation.
Education/
Trainings
English-taught programs ranging from global dialogue at the UNESCO MOST Winter School to practical tourism training and competitive business education.
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Research/
Projects
University of Pannonia and iASK lead Horizon Europe & Visegrad projects (e.g., ClimaPannonia, CROCUS, DaWetRest)...
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Publications/
Conferences
Discover a wealth of knowledge, ideas, and intellectual discourse through a comprehensive range of publications and upcoming conferences at the University of Pannonia and iASK.
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Institute of Advanced Studies Kőszeg (iASK)
iASK in Kőszeg offers a unique interdisciplinary environment for research and innovation, addressing global challenges through UNESCO-supported events like Winter Schools and Summer Universities.
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3rd mission
University of Pannonia prioritizes its third mission, extending beyond teaching and research to actively foster social and economic development through innovation, volunteer engagement, and the promotion of accessible science.
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Contact/
Team members
Key experts from University of Pannonia specialize in sustainability, cultural heritage, and social sciences form a diverse team of international researchers.
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