Montréal, November 29, 2022 – The Fonds de recherche du Québec (FRQ) and the Canadian Commission for UNESCO (CCUNESCO) are pleased to announce a three-year extension to their joint declaration of intent. This declaration was originally signed on October 9, 2019 to financially support UNESCO Chairs whose chairholder is attached to an FRQ-recognized managing institution.
Increased support
The FRQ will provide increased financial support of $25,000 per year per chair for the next three years, to a maximum of 20 chairs. This represents a total contribution of up to $500,000 per year until 2025.
The 17 UNESCO Chairs currently supported by the FRQ operate in the natural sciences, the social sciences and the humanities—more specifically, in education, culture and communications. The chairs foster cooperation between the research community, universities, local communities and civil society.
Quotes
“With a view to showing strong leadership in efforts to achieve the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals, and in recognition of the excellence and international scope of UNESCO Chairs, it was only natural for the Fonds de recherche du Québec to continue this collaboration. I am therefore delighted with the increased financial support to Québec’s UNESCO Chairs for the next three years. This partnership with the Canadian Commission for UNESCO is a highly commendable form of scientific diplomacy.”
̶ Rémi Quirion, Chief Scientist of Québec and President of the International Network for Government Science Advice (INGSA)
“UNESCO Chairs have established themselves as key actors in the UN system since the UNESCO Chair program was established 30 years ago. As incubators of excellence and innovation, they continue to demonstrate their value, whether in guiding public policy, developing educational initiatives or enriching university programs. I thank Rémi Quirion and the Fonds de recherche du Québec for their vision and renewed commitment to this unique network.”
̶ Roda Muse, Secretary General, Canadian Commission for UNESCO
“I warmly welcome the renewal of this productive partnership between the Fonds de recherche du Québec and the Canadian Commission for UNESCO and am delighted with the increased financial support Québec’s UNESCO Chairs will receive over the next three years. These chairs possess cutting-edge expertise on crucial issues affecting the future of humanity and our planet. Their work deserves not only to be encouraged but also to be widely disseminated and promoted, especially for the benefit of UNESCO and its 193 Member States.”
̶ Michel Bonsaint, Representative of the Government of Québec in the Permanent Delegation of Canada to UNESCO
About the Fonds de recherche du Québec
The mission of the Fonds de recherche du Québec, which report to the Québec Minister of Economy, Innovation and Energy, is to pursue and fund the coherent and strategic development of Québec research, support the training of researchers, establish the partnerships researchers need to carry out their work, and promote and support the mobilization of knowledge.
About the Canadian Commission for UNESCO
The Canadian Commission for UNESCO (CCUNESCO) serves as a bridge between Canadians and the vital work of UNESCO—the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization. Through its networks and partners, the Commission promotes UNESCO’s values, priorities and programs in Canada and brings the voices of Canadian experts to the international stage. CCUNESCO operates under the authority of the Canada Council for the Arts.
For further information, please contact:
Laurent Corbeil
Program Officer
Fonds de recherche du Québec – Society and Culture
514-873-2114, ext. 4290
Vanessa Poulin-Gladu
Manager, Public Affairs
Canadian Commission for UNESCO
613-862-1637
