The purpose of the UNESCO Chair is to strengthen and increase the visibility of values, dialogue, and human rights at the University of Helsinki and within Finnish society. Through research, education, and societal engagement, the Chair contributes to advancing these principles at local, national, and international levels.
Professor Arto Kallioniemi serves as the UNESCO Chair, with Associate Professor Hannele Cantell as Co-Chair. Both are long-standing scholars with extensive expertise in education. They are based at the Faculty of Educational Sciences at the University of Helsinki. The current term of the UNESCO Chair runs from 1 January 2026 to 30 June 2030.
The UNESCO Chair is supported by an active team working within national networks and global collaborations. Through events, societal dialogue, and research‑ and education‑based activities, the team contributes to public debate and advances impact across academia and society.
A UNESCO Chair is part of an international programme involving universities in more than 130 countries. Through this network, individual Chairs and their teams support UNESCO’s work in education, the natural and social sciences, culture, and communication. The programme focuses on responding to global challenges and inequalities through research, teaching, and societal engagement.
UNESCO Chairs and their teams bring together partners from academia, civil society, local communities, and policymaking to foster dialogue and collaboration. Together, they promote knowledge-sharing and collaboration aimed at positive social change.