UNESCO’s first-ever Chair in Storytelling.

Loughborough University’s Professor Mike Wilson has been appointed as UNESCO’s first ever Chair in Storytelling Education for Sustainability.

Established in 1992, the Chairs programme connects higher education institutions worldwide with the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO) to advance the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals. The Chairs also provide expert insight to help shape UNESCO’s strategy and global policy development.

Professor Wilson’s work as Chair will focus on environmental and health sustainability across Africa, India and the Arctic nations, using storytelling as a tool to engage the public in these important issues. He will collaborate with researchers from across the University, drawing on expertise from Loughborough’s Storytelling Academy.

His appointment is a unique opportunity to raise the profile of Applied Storytelling on the international stage, recognising the growing importance of storytelling as a tool to help the public take part in conversations about some of the world’s biggest challenges.

Speaking about the role, Professor Wilson said: “The UNESCO Chair is a hugely exciting opportunity for us to build on our previous work in Applied Storytelling across the globe and to take it to the next level. Working with UNESCO, and alongside a broad range of international partners, is both a great privilege and a chance to deliver projects with real impact on global policy and positive change for communities at the sharp end of today’s environmental, health and educational challenges.”

James Bridge, Chief Executive and Secretary-General of the UK National Commission for UNESCO, added: “As the progress towards attaining the 17 UN Sustainable Development Goals becomes ever more important, presenting narratives that communicate sustainability concepts in relatable and engaging ways that inform, engage and influence all of society – from policymakers to the general public – is vital. 

“The establishment of the UNESCO Chair on Storytelling Education for Sustainability at Loughborough University will be an asset for both the United Kingdom and UNESCO globally in this respect, and we look forward to working with Professor Mike Wilson and the rest of the Chair team to bring their expertise to help convey complex information and inspire action.”

To mark the appointment and celebrate Loughborough’s ongoing engagement with UNESCO, the University hosted a UNESCO Day on 2 July. The event included the official launch of the new Chair and featured contributions from Professor Wilson, current UNESCO Chairs Professors Qiuhua Liang and Richard Giulianotti, UNESCO representatives, and invited guests.

You can find out more at the Loughborough University UNESCO Chair in Storytelling Education for Sustainability site HERE!