On 10–11 July 2026, the University of Venda (UNIVEN) Vice-Chancellor and Principal, Prof Bernard Nthambeleni, accompanied by the Deputy Vice-Chancellor for Research and Postgraduate Studies, Prof Fulufhelo Netswera, and the Director of Strategy and Risk in the Office of the Vice-Chancellor and Principal, Dr Mutshinyalo Ratombo, undertook a strategic mission to the UNESCO Headquarters in Paris, France, to advance negotiations for the establishment of the University of Venda UNESCO Chair in Biodiversity and Indigenous Knowledge Systems (IKS).
In the picture L-R: Director of Strategy and Risk in the Office of the Vice-Chancellor and Principal, Dr Mutshinyalo Ratombo, Vice-Chancellor and Principal, Prof Bernard Nthambeleni and Deputy Vice-Chancellor for Research and Postgraduate Studies, Prof Fulufhelo Netswera
The proposed UNESCO Chair is inspired by the University’s unique geographical and ecological location within the UNESCO-designated Vhembe Biosphere Reserve (VBR)—a globally significant landscape where biodiversity conservation, indigenous knowledge, cultural heritage, and sustainable development intersect. This exceptional environment positions UNIVEN as a natural nexus for innovative research and international collaboration, providing a living laboratory for developing solutions to some of the world’s most pressing environmental and societal challenges. The initiative is firmly aligned with the University’s Vision 2040 Strategy and its Integrated Entrepreneurship, Innovation, and Biodiversity Plan (IEIBP), which seeks to embed entrepreneurship, innovation, sustainability, and biodiversity stewardship into the core of UNIVEN’s teaching, research, and community engagement agenda. Through the UNESCO Chair, the University aims to strengthen Africa-led scholarship, advance Indigenous Knowledge Systems, and promote sustainable development pathways that are responsive to local realities while contributing to global knowledge.
The envisaged UNESCO Chair represents a landmark opportunity to elevate UNIVEN’s international profile and strengthen its role as a leading institution in biodiversity and indigenous knowledge research. The Chair will facilitate participation in UNESCO’s prestigious global network of university-based research and knowledge hubs spanning more than 130 countries, fostering international cooperation in education, natural and social sciences, culture, and communication. Through this platform, UNIVEN will contribute to UNESCO’s mission to generate knowledge, inform policy, and address global development challenges. The Chair will serve as a catalyst for interdisciplinary research, postgraduate training, capacity building, policy engagement, and innovation, while creating opportunities for collaboration with universities, research institutions, governments, civil society organizations, and local communities worldwide.
Importantly, the Chair will provide an international platform to showcase and advance African biodiversity knowledge and Indigenous Knowledge Systems as critical resources for addressing contemporary challenges, including climate change, biodiversity loss, food security, ecosystem resilience, and sustainable livelihoods. It will also strengthen the integration of indigenous and scientific knowledge systems, ensuring that local communities become active partners in knowledge production, conservation, and sustainable development.
The Paris mission, therefore, marks a significant milestone in UNIVEN’s journey towards becoming a globally recognized centre of excellence in biodiversity and Indigenous Knowledge Systems research. The establishment of the University of Venda UNESCO Chair in Biodiversity and Indigenous Knowledge Systems will not only advance the University’s strategic aspirations but will also contribute to UNESCO’s broader objectives of promoting international cooperation, sustainable development, cultural preservation, and knowledge exchange for the benefit of humanity.
The envisaged UNESCO Chair will position the University of Venda as a leading African institution at the intersection of biodiversity conservation, indigenous knowledge, innovation, and sustainable development. Anchored in the Vhembe Biosphere Reserve and guided by UNIVEN’s Vision 2040, the Chair will serve as a globally connected platform for generating impactful research, influencing policy, building human capital, and fostering partnerships that address both local and global challenges. Through this initiative, UNIVEN will strengthen its contribution to achieving the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), the African Union Agenda 2063, and UNESCO’s commitment to advancing knowledge for sustainable and inclusive societies.
In the picture L-R: His Excellency President Cyril Ramaphosa of the Republic of South Africa and Mr Khaled El-Enany, UNESCO Director General
The visit took place concurrently with the Transforming Education Summit +4, hosted at UNESCO Headquarters in Paris on 10 July 2026. The Summit was addressed by His Excellency President Cyril Ramaphosa of the Republic of South Africa and United Nations Deputy Secretary-General Ms. Amina J. Mohammed. Organized in conjunction with the Leaders’ Meeting of the SDG 4 High-Level Steering Committee, co-chaired by President Ramaphosa, the event provided a strategic platform for global leaders to review progress and reaffirm commitments toward achieving Sustainable Development Goal 4 (Quality Education).
The University Management extends its heartfelt gratitude to Mr. Carlton Lufuno Mukwevho, Secretary-General of the South African National Commission for UNESCO (Department of Basic Education), for his instrumental role in facilitating this mission. His support and leadership were pivotal in enabling the University’s participation in this important international engagement.
In the picture L-R: The Deputy Vice-Chancellor for Research and Postgraduate Studies, Prof Fulufhelo Netswera; Vice-Chancellor and Principal, Prof Bernard Nthambeleni; accompanied by Mr Carlton Lufuno Mukwevho, Secretary-General of the South African National Commission for UNESCO; and the Higher Education and Training in South Africa, Honourable Buti Manamela
In the picture: Dr Tawil and the UNESCO Chairs Unit meet with the Vice-Chancellor of the University of Venda, Professor Bernard Nthambeleni, and his team
In the picture L-R: Dr Tawil the UNESCO Chairs Unit Director and the University of Venda Vice-Chancellor and Principal, Prof Bernard Nthambeleni in the UNESCO Chairs Unit Office Boardroom
In the picture L-R: Mr Carlton Lufuno Mukwevho, Secretary-General of the South African National
Commission for UNESCO; Ms Onica Dederen, former Director-General of Education, Limpopo Province, LectorSA; Dr Tawil the UNESCO Chairs unit Director; Vice-Chancellor and Principal, Prof Bernard
Nthambeleni, accompanied by the Deputy Vice-Chancellor for Research and Postgraduate Studies,
Prof Fulufhelo Netswera, and the Director of Strategy and Risk in the Office of the Vice-Chancellor and Principal, Dr Mutshinyalo Ratombo, at the UNESCO Headquarters in Paris, France
In the picture L-R: The Deputy Vice-Chancellor for Research and Postgraduate Studies, Prof Fulufhelo
Netswera; Vice-Chancellor and Principal, Prof Bernard Nthambeleni, accompanied by Mrs Prince Maya, the UNESCO Chairs unit Coordinator (2nd from left) and Mr Carlton Lufuno Mukwevho, Secretary-General of the South African National Commission for UNESCO (far right)
In the picture L-R: The Deputy Vice-Chancellor for Research and Postgraduate Studies, Prof Fulufhelo
Netswera; Mr. Carlton Lufuno Mukwevho, Secretary-General of the South African National Commission for UNESCO, accompanied by the UNIVEN Vice-Chancellor and Principal, Prof Bernard Nthambeleni
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