News release

From: Adelaide University

From artificial intelligence to climate change, human rights and global education, many of the world’s biggest decisions are shaped by a small number of powerful institutions.

Now, a new UNESCO university network co-founded by Adelaide University is working to ensure more diverse voices contribute to these conversations – and that Australia has a seat at the table.

The UNESCO UNITWIN Network on Education, Epistemic Justice and the Knowledge Commons (EpiNet) will support international research collaborations, policy engagement, teaching, student exchanges and knowledge-sharing partnerships designed to influence global education, research and social policy discussions beyond 2030.

The initiative aligns with UNESCO’s Futures of Education program, which rethinks how education systems, universities, and research organisations must evolve in response to technological disruption, climate change and increasing global uncertainty through to 2050.

EpiNet Co-Coordinator and researcher at Adelaide University’s School of Education and the Centre for Research in Educational and Social Inclusion, Associate Professor Prachi Srivastava, said EpiNet will play an important role in inter-regional partnerships to ensure more collaborative outcomes in times of global uncertainty.

“We live in a world increasingly shaped by insecurity, rapid technological disruption, and social inequality,” Assoc Prof Srivastava said.

“But too often, decisions about these issues are dominated by a relatively narrow range of perspectives with many players ignoring the fact that our futures are collective and inter-related.

“To respond equitably and sustainably across a broad range of global challenges, we must consider diverse voices, lived experiences and ideas – and education is central to this.

“Through EpiNet, we will bring together universities, communities and policymakers from around the world to co-create new ideas and foster more inclusive conversations around education, research and knowledge creation with truly collaborative public dialogue at the highest levels.

“The network will contribute to global education and research agendas, and connect Adelaide University and Australia to international policymakers, government leaders and organisations where it can truly help shape the future of education, knowledge creation and society.”

EpiNet is the first UNESCO UNITWIN Network with a founding and coordinating member from South Australia, and one of only about 50 UNESCO UNITWIN networks worldwide.

As a UNITWIN Network, EpiNet puts Adelaide University and Australia in direct contact with more than 1100 UNESCO Chairs, alongside UNESCO Field Offices, Institutes, Centres, National Commissions worldwide, providing significant international reach and influence beyond academia.

With co-founding members including the host, Gulu University (Uganda), Participatory Research in Action (India), University of Bristol (UK), University of Calgary (Canada), and the University of Victoria (Canada), EpiNet will help advance research, training and development by encouraging international collaboration and knowledge-sharing across borders.

Professor Jessica Gallagher, Deputy Vice Chancellor - International and External Engagement said the new initiative presents a significant opportunity for Adelaide University and Australia.

“Being a founding member of a UNESCO UNITWIN Network is important international recognition and reflects Adelaide University’s growing contribution to global education and research leadership,” Professor Gallagher said.

“The timing of this initiative is particularly significant as countries and institutions around the world begin looking beyond the 2030 Sustainable Development Goals towards future global education and development priorities.

“EpiNet positions Adelaide University at the centre of those international policy dialogues while strengthening Australia’s voice in shaping future approaches to education, research, sustainability and global collaboration.”