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UNITWIN AS A PLATFORM OF ACADEMIC DIPLOMACY AND INTERCULTURAL DIALOGUE

Field of Science:History
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THE LIGHT OF ISLAM

THE LIGHT OF ISLAM

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The article examines the UNITWIN/ UNESCO Chairs Programme as an instrument of academic diplomacy, intercultural dialogue and peacebuilding in the contemporary globalized world. The study aims to determine how the programme, established by UNESCO in 1992 as a mechanism of inter-university cooperation, has evolved into a channel of soft power that promotes mutual understanding, religious tolerance and a culture of peace through international academic collaboration. The research employs a qualitative and interpretive methodology combining conceptual and documentary analysis. The theoretical framework integrates the concepts of soft power, the internationalization of higher education, intercultural sensitivity and peace research. The study also analyses UNESCO documents, the Bukhara Declaration on multi-faith dialogue and materials related to the UNESCO Chair in the Comparative Study of World Religions at the International Islamic Academy of Uzbekistan. Particular attention is given to the regional experience of Uzbekistan as an example of the practical implementation of academic diplomacy and interfaith cooperation. The findings demonstrate that the UNITWIN/UNESCO Chairs Programme performs not only educational and scientific functions but also diplomatic and peacebuilding roles. UNESCO Chairs contribute to reducing cultural and religious stereotypes, strengthening interreligious dialogue, promoting global citizenship and fostering sustainable international partnerships. The article argues that universities and international academic networks can serve as non-state diplomatic actors capable of maintaining dialogue and cooperation even in periods of political tension. The case of Uzbekistan illustrates how higher education institutions can support

AUTHORS

N.Turambetov

"O`ZBEKISTON XALQARO ISLOM AKADEMIYASI" DAVLAT MUASSASASI

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# uzbekistan# education# dialogue# academic# religious# tolerance# power# higher# diplomacy# internationalization# peace# UNESCO# soft# intercultural# unitwin# chairs

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References

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