UNESCO Chair on Refugee Integration through Education, Language and Arts

15 Jan 26

The Memory Lab at the University of Glasgow is hosting this event, exploring the complexities of memory, conflict, and peace in our lives. The event looks at how memories shape how communities understand their pasts, define their identities in the present, and imagine their futures. It will delve into case studies that investigate how memory contributes to conflict to address questions such as: How do official narratives sustain nationalism and preparedness for war? In what ways do digital media amplify, reshape, or contest memories of past violence? What can we learn from societies where memory of division remains a site of contestation? At the end of the event, the conversation will turn towards peacebuilding. Hyab Yohannes from the UNESCO RIELA team will be a speaker.

UNESCO RIELA Affiliate Artist Martha Orbach's exhibition is still on display for another week, in the Glasgow Women's Library. A summary: How do we put the pieces together, make a home in the aftermath? With the coot for a muse, and using domestic debris and biomaterials, Martha Orbach began sculpting a series of precarious structures. These little nesting attempts draw on Martha’s Jewish heritage, unusual environmentalist upbringing, and current situation as a domestically incompetent mum trying to make a home. More info and opening times here.

Memory Conflict and Peace

The Memory Lab at the University of Glasgow is hosting this event, exploring the complexities of memory, conflict, and peace in our lives. The event looks at how memories shape how communities understand their pasts, define their identities in the present, and imagine their futures. It will delve into case studies that investigate how memory contributes to conflict to address questions such as: How do official narratives sustain nationalism and preparedness for war? In what ways do digital media amplify, reshape, or contest memories of past violence? What can we learn from societies where memory of division remains a site of contestation? At the end of the event, the conversation will turn towards peacebuilding. Hyab Yohannes from the UNESCO RIELA team will be a speaker.

presentation by visiting academic Elif Naz Altaş Kuşhan

From 19 January until 1 February we will be joined by visiting academic Elif Naz Altaş Kuşhan, a Research Assistant at the TED University in Türkiye. On 20 January, she will be delivering a presentation called A Perspective on the Early Literacy Development of Refugee Preschoolers Acquiring Turkish, which will take place in the St Andrew's Building of the University of Glasgow, room 221, from 1:00 to 2:00pm. Free and open to all, no registration needed!

We are so excited that the poetry from Depositions by UNESCO RIELA Affiliate Artist Anton Floyd has been put to music and will be performed at Celtic Connections in Glasgow! Join Rachel Walker, Marcas Mac an Tuairneir: Depositions, Calum Stewart, Luc McNally & Sophie Stephenson for a stunning new suite of songs inspired by the book. Blending poetry, song, and social commentary, Depositions threads together stories of diaspora and clearance, bridging traditional and contemporary styles with clear links to the history and experience of the Scottish and Irish Gael. Get your tickets here.

African Studies Global Virtual Forum 2025-26

Alison Phipps, Tawona Sitholé and Hyab Yohannes will be presenting the work of Cultures of Sustainable Peace: Conflict transformation, gender-based violence and decolonial praxes. The African Studies Global Virtual Forum 2025–26, led by Sinfree Makoni, seeks to decenter hegemonic epistemologies and to decolonize the Western canon to facilitate other ways/waves of knowing. Through a series of online conversations, participants in the forum challenge the notion of the “universal truth".

As part of he Royal Society of Edinburgh's celebration of Mother Language Day, we will be contributing to two events:

If we lose our languages, do we lose ourselves? - 6:00-7:30pm, an exploration of how languages shift with identity across Scotland. Both Hyab Yohannes and Alison Phipps are part of the panel.

Celebrating Scotland’s languages with New Scots - 6:00-6:30pm, in partnership with Friends of Scottish Settlers, you are invited to a series of short language taster sessions led by New Scots. You’ll learn words and phrases from the different languages they speak, get to know new people, and hear about the many cultures across Scotland today.

Sustainable Designs for Living and Learning: Embedding Multilingualism

You are warmly invited to join this showcase of logo designs created by learners from three primary schools across Scotland. The designs reflect inspiring ideas for a greener, multilingual and more sustainable future for learning and living. Part of the Sustainable Designs for Living and Learning (SDLL): Embedding Multilingualism into Learning for Sustainability research project. More information about the exhibition and the launch event on Monday 23 February can be found here.

Journey Matters: unequal borders, travel narratives and refugee integration

is the title of Esa Aldegheri's presentation for the School of Education Research Seminar Series 2025-2026. Esa's presentation will be from 3:30 to 4:30pm in the St Andrew's Building in Glasgow and if you would like to attend, please register your place here

Resonance in Education? Rethinking Encounter, Attunement, and Transformation

One-Day Research Seminar - 9th March 2026 9am - 5pm, Studio 2, Advanced Research Centre (ARC), University of Glasgow 

Register Here

This one-day seminar brings together scholars (academics, students, practitioners) to examine the conceptual, pedagogical, ethical, and political implications of resonance in education.  We invite contributions to critically explore resonance as a theoretical resource for understanding formation, subjectivity, relationality, and transformation within educational contexts.  

Keynote Speaker - Dr Johannes Rytzler, Senior Lecturer in Education at Mälardalen University, Sweden.

SDLL logo exhibition currently at Glasgow Chambers- from 9^th March until 7^th April

Following the success of artworks created by pupils from the project’s partner primary schools, the exhibition showcasing the SDLL logo competition has been extended and will now take place at Glasgow City Chambers.

This is fantastic news for pupils of all ages from Cradlehall, Thornwood and West Primary Schools, who created over 100 designs full of colour, creativity and inspiration. Each entry beautifully captured the spirit and values of the SDLL project.

The exhibition not only celebrates the SDLL’s values but also highlights the incredible artistic talent and imagination of young people. From bold, vibrant compositions to thoughtful and symbolic designs, the pupils demonstrated impressive creativity and skills.

The artworks, which were first showcased at the University of Strathclyde and are currently on display at the University of Glasgow, will move to Glasgow City Chambers on 9 March. The exhibition will feature all 100 artworks and will run until 7 April.

Join us to admire the creativity and artistry on display!

Folding a River - - Poetry, solidarity and shared witness with poets from Gaza - Watch the recording of the reading here.

The right of the rightless

Hyab Yohannes will deliver this lecture at the University of St Andrews Centre for the Critical Reimagining of Human Rights, as part of their sminar series State of Asylum: Current Issues and Future Directions in UK Asylum Policy. This event will be in person in St Andrews, Scotland. More information can be found on their website.

Ceremony of remembrance for those affected by conflict

This Spring Equinox the University community, including all our colleagues, students and friends, are invited to gather at the peace bench to remember those caught up in conflict around the world, to sing a song of solidarity and to plant forget-me-nots.

When: 2.45- 3.30 on Friday 20th March

Where: At The Peace Bench (behind the School of Law, back of Professors’ Square)

On behalf of the UofG Chaplaincy, UNESCO RIELA and the UofG grounds team.

The Un-Enlightenment with Gavin Esler

Hosted by the Royal Society of Edinburgh, Gavin Esler, chaired by our own Alison Phipps, will be delivering the MacCormick European Lecture, entitled What can we trust in an age of misinformation? Edinburgh in the 1700’s was home to some of the greatest minds of the Enlightenment, aiming to advance learning and knowledge, emphasizing the use of reason and critical thinking. Fast forward to almost 300 years later and we are facing an opposite movement driven by misinformation and “alternative facts”. As Scotland’s National Academy, the RSE operates on the motto of “Knowledge made useful”, but how can we trust knowledge in the age of misinformation? How do we sift through information that is making us less informed, and how do we prevent becoming “un-enlightened”?

Join in person or online, to answer these pressing questions, at a time when misinformation is more widespread than ever before.

Empowering Narratives – The power of language for shaping agency and resilience

How can language learning become a lifeline for young people facing displacement and uncertainty? Join our upcoming session to explore how storytelling and English language education can empower refugee and marginalised youth to express themselves, connect, and be heard.

Featuring a panel of Alison Phipps, Khawla Badwan, Lucia Maina and more.

This lecture is part of the British Council's Stories of Adversity, Resilience and Determination (SARD) series. Video available through the link.

GRAMNet seminar with Dr Pinar Aksu.

Migration in Scotland: Access to Justice and Campaigning with Communities

People seeking asylum and refuge are exposed to injustices on a daily basis: from not being able to work, difficulties accessing education and being displaced in ex-hotels across the UK. The 'hostile environment' policy is now being enacted with the recent immigration laws and policies. These include the Nationality and Borders Act 2022 (NABA), Illegal Migration Act 2023, Safety of Rwanda Act 2024 and Border Security, Asylum, and Immigration Bill​2025. The impact of such narratives can be witnessed across the communities as hostility is being normalised outside ex-hotels. How can we build communities based on justice and work together?

This presentation addressed concerns of access to justice as experienced by people navigating the immigration system and possibilities of imagining a different narrative. It invited everyone to explore the meaning of campaigning with communities at times of hostility and injustices.

Watch the full seminar here.

KESH: In conversation with Alison Phipps

Closed lecture at Nothingham Trent University. 

Exchange Talk: Art And Identity

Art and Identity – Talk 1
Mutupo: Circles of Interflow

With Tawona Ganyamatopé Sitholé. Tawona shares his praxis which brings his inherited learning traditions from daré – ritual learning and healing space, into the academic setting to create space for communication and getting along.

Book your tickets here.

Professor Alison Phipps will deliver her rescheduled seminar entitled ‘Cultural Genocide, Cultural Justice: Notes Towards Intercultural Education after Gaza’. Wednesday 6^th May, 4-5pm in StAB (r433A/B),

Abstract

Building on work for UNESCO on Cultural Justice, Barometers for Peace and the failure of Intercultural and Human Rights Education this seminar will explore some of the conceptual ground and thinking towards a new monograph entitled Cultural Genocide, Cultural Justice.

It considers the experience Alison has had of 30 years of scholarship in the field of cultural and intercultural education, the effects of the Holocaust, Nakba, Srebrenica, Darfur, Tigray and now Gaza and the erasure of the Palestinian people. It looks at the qualities and conditions identified for rebuilding and restorative education and the place accorded to culture. In particular it explores the role of women in reconstruction work, and of language, building on the Languages Matter: Global Guide to Multilingual Education, launched on Mother Language Day 2025.

The seminar will be exploratory and Alison will welcome questions and contributions from thinkers in attendance after a 20 -30 minute presentation of the ideas.

Alison’s profile is available here:

https://www.gla.ac.uk/schools/education/staff/alisonphipps/

Tawona Sitholé will be sharing poetry at the opening ceremony. More information and links to book your tickets for these amazing events on this page.

Momentary and Fleeting: A life documenting conflict and all it displaces is an exhibition of the work of Robin Taudevin and his humane interest in both people and nature: from the first known documentation of Home Office Dawn Raids in Glasgow, to the Timor-Leste armed struggle for full independence, to fragile underwater ecosystems. Curated by his sister, this exhibition considers what has changed in the 20 years since Robin died. The Opening Preview features words and music from members of the Glasgow Girls, Kieran Hurley, Djana Gabrielle, Henry Bell, Nerea Bello and more.

Glasgow University Memorial Chapel | Mon - Fri (exc bank holidays) | 19th May - 2nd Jun | 10am - 6pm. Launch event 19 May 5 - 7 pm | Free entry

Part of the 

 

Alison Phipps: Ebor lecture in York

'When Every Hope Has Gone: Grief, Rage and Refuge in a Merciless Age.'

In this lecture, Alison will explore the theological and practical failures exposed by recent genocidal assaults in Gaza, Sudan and Tigray. Drawing on decades of work with refugees worldwide, and especially from her home in Scotland, she will consider the resistant work of offering refuge in apocalyptic conditions and what heartbreak might teach us of our betrayal of refugees. In the face of immense grief, she will offer poetic and prayerful resources for courage, faith and cheerfulness from her tradition within The Iona Community.wer these pressing questions, at a time when misinformation is more widespread than ever before. Read the transcript and watch the recording here.

9th UNESCO RIELA Spring School: The Arts of Integrating

Our big annual event, looking at creative ways of community building. The theme this year is 'Intergenerational caring & sharing in the context of (forced) migration'. More information and link to free tickets .

Border thinking: showcase of postgraduate researchers in the field of migration research

Join us for a series of short presentations by postgraduate researchers looking at migration, peacebuilding, social change, reconciliation and justice, using art-based methods and the practice of co-creation.

No booking required, just turn op.

Speakers include:

Bria Trosclair – Storytelling as unbordering: reflections on the My Story, Our Future project.
Nerea Bello Sagarzazu - Care-rings: movement of hands, bodies and words.
Yi (Amy) Chen - Through the eyes of adult cross-cultural Kids.
Hsiao-Chang (Hope) Wang – Co-creating the values of World Heritage Sites with refugees
Samira Hasanzade - War vs peace through children creativity
Gizem Karaköse - The strategies of language and social adaptation of old and new Polish diaspora in in Türkiye.
Mengqiu (Jojo) Xi - Diaspora living heritage and identity formation: A case study of the Chinese community in Glasgow

Time: 3:00-5:00pm

Place: St Andrew's Building (11 Eldon Street), room 102

Dear Green Commons: How to share a city

Pinar Aksu will be a keynote speaker at this amazing event, happening on 13 June at 6:00-9:00pm. Dear Green Commons is four public gatherings in June & August 2026 from the Centre for Human Ecology, exploring the commons as a practical foundation for co-creating just futures in Glasgow. More information and tickets here.

Sowing Seeds of Languages

Create your own fantastical creature using natural and recycled materials. Make your own colourful bird and take it on a journey to gather languages. Share your ideas about Earth Care, People Care and Fair Share with researchers from the University of Strathclyde and University of Glasgow.

Organised by the . Find them in the Glasgow Botanics between 11am and 3pm. Part of the Glasgow Science Festival.

Mbira workshop by Tawona Sitholé

As part of Refugee Festival Scotland, we are hosting an mbira workshop in the Peace Garden. No previous knowledge of music required, just turn up and we'll talk you through it. The art of crafting and playing the mbira is inscribed on the UNESCO list of Intangible Cultural Heritage. The practice was banned for years as part of a cultural repression programme and only survived because of brave souls hiding the instrument and keeping the knowledge alive in secret. Through this workshop, we honour those people and help preserve and pass on the music. Places are limited, book yours here.

Film screening as part of Refugee Festival Scotland

In collaboration with CinemARC and GRAMNet, we will be showing a selection of films which speak to migration, displacement and the experiences of those seeking refuge:

The Story of Migration | MIDEQ | 7 mins
Departing | Mary Martins | 8 mins
Untitled | Akram Alashqa | 32 mins
A Story Left Behind | Asma Kabadeh | 14 mins

More details about these films and the event can be found on the registration page. Tickets are free. Event times: 5:30-8:00pm

After the screenings, a panel of filmmakers and researchers will discuss the making of their films, the research that went into it and the topics covered. There will be the opportunity for audience members to ask questions and to join in the discussion.

Panelists: Akram Alashqar, Asma Kabadeh, Mary Martins & Tawona Sitholé.

On 19 June, Asma Kabadeh will host a workshop called Mapping Memory: Somali Presence in the Archives, which accompanies the screening of her film. Workshop tickets can be booked separately through this link.

Restorative Refugee Integration
A creative integrative event with discussion about the 'A Handbook of Integration with Refugees: Global Learnings from Scotland' book. Come and join us in a relaxed atmosphere of coffee, cakes and listen to the research which unpacks the book. Together creating colourful buntings with messages of solidarity, and hope. No registration required, more info here.

Alison Phipps will be a judge on the Scottish Refugee Council's Media Awards ceremony.

Commemoration of Srebrenica Memorial Day
All welcome to join the Remembering Srebrenica Scottish Board of Ambassadors and guests for a moment of remembrance in solidarity. Gathering in the Peace Garden at 3pm.

Rise & Shine 2026

For the 5th year in a row we have co-organised the Rise & Shine Festival at the Scottish Crannog Centre. For more info, see this page.

The Lion and the Unicorn

To celebrate the 575th anniversary of the University of Glasgow, Tawona Sitholé and a group of staff and students have created a play, which will be performed in the James Arnott Theatre in Glasgow this coming Friday. Primarily aimed at students and staff, the event is open to anyone with a connection to the University. Tickets can be booked here.