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.
Established in 1992, the UNESCO Chairs and UNITWIN programme connects higher education institutions worldwide with the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO) to advance the 17 UN Sustainable Development Goals. The Chairs also provide expert insight to help shape UNESCO’s strategy and global policy development.
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.”
To mark the appointment and celebrate Loughborough’s ongoing engagement with UNESCO, the University will host a UNESCO Day on 2 July 2025. The event will include the official launch of the new Chair and feature contributions from Professor Wilson, current UNESCO Chairs Professors Qiuhua Liang and Richard Giulianotti, UNESCO representatives, and invited guests.
More information on the UNESCO Chair in Storytelling Education for Sustainability
