Malawi National Commission for UNESCO

08/05/2026

For more information use the following link https://academy.itu.int/training-courses/full-catalogue/data-governance-inclusive-digital-ai-futures-0

08/05/2026

UNESCO and UNDP have launched the second edition of the training course on Data Governance for Inclusive Digital & AI Futures. The course is delivered through the International Telecommunication Union Academy with support from the European Union Global Gateway initiative. It provides policymakers and practitioners with practical tools to design effective data governance frameworks that enable inclusive, secure, and rights-based digital transformation. The course will run from 23 June 2026 to 21 July 2026. It will be held online. The course is free of charge to selected applicants. To apply and for more information use the following link https://academy.itu.int/training-courses/full-catalogue/data-governance-inclusive-digital-ai-futures-0 The deadline for receiving applications in 31st May, 2026

This course provides policymakers and practitioners with the foundational knowledge and practical tools to design effective data governance frameworks that enable inclusive, secure, and rights-based digital transformation.

08/05/2026

The TWAS-CUI Fellowship Programme for Postdoctoral Research offers fellowships to young scientists from developing countries (other than Pakistan) who wish to pursue postdoctoral research in natural or social sciences. Duration: a maximum of six months (no cost extensions may be provided for an additional six months) See the link for details https://twas.org/opportunity/twas-cui-postdoctoral-fellowship-programme. The call closes on 15th June, 2026

08/05/2026

UNESCO-TWAS and Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) of India have established several fellowships for foreign scholars from developing countries, who wish to pursue research toward a PhD in emerging areas of science and technology, for which facilities are available in CSIR laboratories and institutes. See the link for details

The Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) of India and UNESCO-TWAS have established a number of fellowships for foreign scholars from developing countries, who wish to pursue research toward a PhD in emerging areas of science and technology, for which facilities are available in CSIR....

08/05/2026

The deadline for the call for nominations of the 2026 edition of the UNESCO Prize for Girls’ and Women’s Education has been extended until 26 May 2026. The UNESCO Prize for Girls’ and Women’s Education honours outstanding and innovative contributions made by individuals, institutions, and organizations to advance girls’ and women’s education. Funded by the Government of the People’s Republic of China, the Prize is conferred annually to two laureates and consists of an award of US $50,000 each to help further their work. Malawians are encouraged to contact the Malawi National Commission for UNESCO by email [email protected] for additional information prior to making their submissions. Each country can nominate up to three individuals or organizations working to advance education for girls and women. See the link for details .

Honouring outstanding and innovative contributions made by individuals, institutions, and organizations to advance girls’ and women’s education

08/05/2026

The World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) annually publishes a List of Prohibited Substances and Methods. The list for 2026 is available on this link https://www.wada-ama.org/en/resources/world-anti-doping-code-and-international-standards/prohibited-list . The List indicates what substances and methods are prohibited in sport and when.

In force Publication date 01 Jan 26 Prohibited List Download options Resource description The 2026 List of Prohibited Substances and Methods (List) went into effect on 1 January 2026. The List and the Q&As can also be consulted under the Athlete and Support Personnel section. A Summary of Major Mod...

13/04/2026

UNESCO MAB Program in partnership with vivo, has launched the global youth storytelling initiative under the theme “Capture the Future: Global Youth Storytelling Initiative for People and Nature,” Young people between 18 and 35 years of age are being invited to share powerful visual stories through photography or short videos. The call is open from 5th March to 31st May 2026. the initiative encourages participants with a strong connection to UNESCO Biosphere Reserves to document how communities are addressing environmental and social challenges, preserving traditions, and creating sustainable solutions. Using any mobile device, participants can showcase the unique relationship between people and nature while amplifying local voices on global issues. Read the information on this link before applying

The new global initiative inviting young people to share visual stories about the relationship between people and nature in UNESCO biosphere reserves.

10/04/2026

During the week. the Malawi National Commission for UNESCO attended a graduation ceremony for a training program which was organised by GenHub in partnership with GRÓ GEST under the University of Iceland. Gen Hub has been implementing a capacity-building training on Men, Boys, And Masculinities as one approach to addressing and eliminating Technology-Facilitated Gender-Based Violence (TFGBV) in Malawi. The programme is titled “Human Rights, Law, Masculinities, and Technology: Pathways to Eliminating Technology-Facilitated Gender-Based Violence (TFGBV) in Malawi.” Participants were dr
In her remarks. Senior Program Specialist at the Commission, Ms Lucia Victoria Chigamane explained that the 2021 UNESCO Recommendation on Ethics of Artificial Intelligence although not legally binding provides a basis for a human rights-based approach regarding the use of technology. She cited some of the principles in the recommendation which encourage responsibility and accountability implying that such technologies should have due diligence mechanisms in place to avoid conflicts with human rights norms. She added that the recommendation emphasises that AI systems should not replace human oversight and determination and consequently human responsibility and accountability for the outcomes regarding their development and use.
GenHub brought together participants from different districts across Malawi representing government stakeholders, women rights organisations, developers, and youth leaders. Lots of gratitude to the Embassy of Iceland for funding the initiative.

10/04/2026

The UNESCO Man and Biosphere Program has launched a call for applications for small research grants from young researchers below the age of 35 to carry out research in any of the UNESCO designated biosphere reserves. Interested Malawian applicants are asked to submit an expression of interest in the form of a curriculum vitae and concept note by 15th April, 2026 (maximum 5 pages) to the Malawi National Commission for UNESCO [email protected] for preselection and endorsement by relevant biosphere reserves prior to submitting their application. Additional information can be found on this link

Through the MAB Young Scientists Awards, the MAB programme is investing in a new generation of scientists worldwide, because well-trained and committed young people are key to addressing ecological

10/04/2026

The Malawi National Commission is proud to be associated with the Pa Bwalo initiative. The initiative will provide a platform for artistic expressions within the city of Lilongwe. Pa Bwalo auditorium is found at the National Library in City Centre.

Pabwalo Launches a New Chapter for Culture and Creativity in Lilongwe. 10 April 2026

Today marks an exciting milestone in the cultural and educational landscape of Lilongwe with the official launch of Pabwalo—a name that beautifully translates to “The knowledge square for citizens.”

Located within the National Library Service Headquarters in the heart of the city, Pabwalo emerges as a vibrant, multipurpose space designed to inspire learning, creativity, and cultural exchange. Open to children, youth, and all individuals passionate about heritage and the arts, the space offers a welcoming environment where ideas can be shared and talents nurtured.

Pabwalo is set to host a rich and diverse program lineup. Visitors can look forward to traditional storytelling sessions and folksong performances that celebrate Malawi’s oral traditions, as well as inspirational talks that spark dialogue and innovation. The venue will also feature art exhibitions, film screenings, and hands-on workshops, creating a dynamic platform where culture meets contemporary expression.

What makes Pabwalo especially meaningful is its mission to bridge the past and the present—honoring Malawi’s cultural heritage while embracing modern creativity. Through this blend, the space aims to strengthen community bonds and encourage a deeper appreciation of identity, knowledge, and artistic expression.

This initiative is the result of a strong collaborative effort between the National Library Service of Malawi, the Malawi National Commission for UNESCO, Music Crossroads Malawi, and Rei Foundation Ltd. Together, these partners share a unified vision: to build a more connected, creative, and knowledgeable society for all Malawians.

As Pabwalo opens its doors on this significant day, it stands not just as a physical space, but as a symbol of possibility—a place where stories are told, ideas are born, and communities come together.