UNESCO RILA Phase 1 report published
Published: 17 May 2021
We are delighted to announce we've created a report of our activities over the last four years. Find out more..
For millions of the world’s displaced people, their painful journey does not end when they gain refugee status. The huge transformation required to adapt to life in a new host country can be confusing, lonely and traumatic. It can also be marked by humour, surprise, relief, and joy. University of Glasgow’s UNESCO Chair in Refugee Integration through Languages and the Arts (UNESCO RILA) is working with cross-sectoral partners, to engage in research and advocacy for creative and artistic approaches to integration, to sustain linguistic and cultural diversity, foster creativity and intercultural capabilities and to promote peace.
Our core team is funded by the University of Glasgow, with the wider team supplemented by competitively won research income. UNESCO RILA Phase 1 ran January 2016 to December 2020. We have recently completed a renewal process, and have been approved by both the University of Glasgow and UNESCO HQ to continue our activities for another four years. UNESCO RILA Phase 2 began in January 2021.
Our thanks go to Professor Sir Anton Muscatelli, Principal and Vice-Chancellor of University of Glasgow, and Professor Margery McMahon, Head of School of Education, for their unwavering support for our work and our team.
We also gratefully acknowledge the friendship and collaboration of many partners across the world.
Major outcomes in Phase 1
UNESCO RILA Chairholder appointed to key positions within national strategic groups driving forward positive change and influencing practice. Engaged with local, national and international governments, policy makers and key stakeholders:
- Chair of New Scots Refugee Integration Strategy Core Group informing policy on integration of refugees and asylum seekers within Scotland.
- Co-Chair of UKRI AHRC Strategic Advisory Board (International) driving improvements in commissioning and management of Arts and Humanities research in the UK and internationally (2017-2021).
Authored reports, articles and think pieces integrating new approaches and methods, and incorporating innovative dissemination techniques (song and poetry).
Leading global scholarship in refugee integration through languages and the arts by delivering invited Keynotes, distinguished lectureships and residencies at leading higher education institutions worldwide, expanding opportunities for research collaboration, exchange of ideas and approaches.
Expanded work with Global South partners engaging specifically with Sustainable Development Goals 4, 5 and 16. Generated over £3 million in new research income to University of Glasgow. Collaborating in pioneering international research networks and hubs worth in excess of £28 million.
Please read the UNESCO RILA Phase 1 Report (2016-2020) for a full account of our activities 2016 - 2020.
First published: 17 May 2021
