Madam France Marquet, Principal Trustee, MSF) & SAF Representative to UNESCO, participated in the Multistakeholder High-level Conference on Science Diplomacy.. The event, organized as part of the International Decade of Sciences for Sustainable Development, brought together ministers, scientists, diplomats, and experts to strengthen global cooperation in science diplomacy amid rising geopolitical tensions
The UMCDSRC, National College, Kathmandu University, recently hosted a heartfelt farewell reception to honor Ms. Benita Chhetri, an SAF scholar from India; Shreeti KC from Nepal; and Chencho Lham, an SAF scholar from Bhutan. These remarkable individuals have successfully completed their four-year bachelor's level studies in Development Studies and Regional Cooperation.
In a landmark event marking the World Day for Glaciers and World Water Day 2025, global leaders, environmentalists, and scientists gathered to emphasize the urgent need for action in cryospheric sciences and water conservation. The two-day celebration, held on 20th and 21st March 2025, aimed to galvanize efforts towards the Decade of Action for Cryospheric Sciences, highlighting the critical role glaciers and water resources play in sustaining life on our planet.
In a poignant tribute to the late Mr. Federico Mayor Zaragoza (1934–2024), former Director-General of UNESCO (1987–1999), Madam France Marquet, Principal Trustee of the Madanjeet Singh Foundation (MSF) and South Asia Foundation (SAF) Representative to UNESCO, attended a special ceremony honoring his remarkable life and contributions.
Madam France Marquet, Principal Trustee of the Madanjeet Singh Foundation and South Asia Foundation’s representative to UNESCO, attended the Nowruz celebration at UNESCO Headquarters. She was invited by the Indian delegation to join this vibrant cultural event..
London’s art scene is about to get a bold, boundary-pushing injection of South Asian creativity. This spring, (Un)Layering the Future Past of South Asia: Young Artists’ Voices will take over SOAS Gallery, featuring works from 26 emerging and established artists across six South Asian countries. Opening 11 April 2025, the exhibition presents a powerful mix of painting, sculpture, textiles, photography, video, and installation.
We were honoured to welcome 𝑫𝒓. 𝑴𝒐𝒉𝒂𝒎𝒆𝒅 𝑹𝒂𝒔𝒎𝒚 (𝑺𝒆𝒏𝒊𝒐𝒓 𝑹𝒆𝒔𝒆𝒂𝒓𝒄𝒉𝒆𝒓), 𝑫𝒓. 𝑲𝒂𝒕𝒔𝒖𝒏𝒐𝒓𝒊 𝑻𝒂𝒎𝒂𝒌𝒂𝒘𝒂 (𝑹𝒆𝒔𝒆𝒂𝒓𝒄𝒉 𝑺𝒑𝒆𝒄𝒊𝒂𝒍𝒊𝒔𝒕), 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝑫𝒓. 𝑩𝒂𝒅𝒓𝒊 𝑺𝒉𝒓𝒆𝒔𝒕𝒉𝒂 (𝑹𝒆𝒔𝒆𝒂𝒓𝒄𝒉 𝑺𝒑𝒆𝒄𝒊𝒂𝒍𝒊𝒔𝒕) from the 𝑰𝒏𝒕𝒆𝒓𝒏𝒂𝒕𝒊𝒐𝒏𝒂𝒍 𝑪𝒆𝒏𝒕𝒓𝒆 𝒇𝒐𝒓 𝑾𝒂𝒕𝒆𝒓 𝑯𝒂𝒛𝒂𝒓𝒅 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝑹𝒊𝒔𝒌 𝑴𝒂𝒏𝒂𝒈𝒆𝒎𝒆𝒏𝒕 (𝑰𝑪𝑯𝑨𝑹𝑴)
UMCSAWM proudly hosted the 𝐔𝐧𝐯𝐞𝐢𝐥𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐨𝐟 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐂𝐥𝐢𝐦𝐚𝐭𝐞 𝐒𝐜𝐢𝐞𝐧𝐜𝐞 𝐋𝐢𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐚𝐜𝐲 𝐏𝐨𝐬𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐬, 𝐂𝐥𝐢𝐦𝐚𝐭𝐞 𝐑𝐞𝐬𝐞𝐚𝐫𝐜𝐡 𝐐𝐮𝐢𝐳, 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐂𝐥𝐢𝐦𝐚𝐭𝐞 𝐑𝐞𝐬𝐞𝐚𝐫𝐜𝐡 𝐀𝐰𝐚𝐫𝐞𝐧𝐞𝐬𝐬 𝐒𝐞𝐦𝐢𝐧𝐚𝐫 for School Children, fostering a new generation of climate-conscious thinkers!
The UNESCO Madanjeet Singh Centre for South Asia Water Management (UMCSAWM) at the University of Moratuwa held its 12th Board of Management (BoM) Meeting on March 17, 2025, at the Vice Chancellor's Board Room. The meeting brought together key stakeholders, including academic leaders, water management experts, and representatives from the Madanjeet Singh Foundation (MSF) and the South Asia Foundation (SAF), to review progress, discuss future initiatives, and strengthen collaborative efforts in advancing water resources management in South Asia.
We are delighted to share the successful completion of a two-day training workshop on the 𝐀𝐩𝐩𝐥𝐢𝐜𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐨𝐟 𝐇𝐲𝐝𝐫𝐨𝐥𝐨𝐠𝐢𝐜 𝐄𝐧𝐠𝐢𝐧𝐞𝐞𝐫𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐂𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐫𝐞'𝐬 𝐇𝐲𝐝𝐫𝐨𝐥𝐨𝐠𝐢𝐜 𝐌𝐨𝐝𝐞𝐥𝐥𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐒𝐲𝐬𝐭𝐞𝐦 (𝐇𝐄𝐂-𝐇𝐌𝐒) 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐖𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐬𝐡𝐞𝐝 𝐌𝐨𝐝𝐞𝐥𝐥𝐢𝐧𝐠,
In a heartwarming gathering of art, culture, and community, SAF-UMISAA scholars at Beaconhouse National University (BNU) celebrated Iftar with Prof. Salima Hashmi, Chairperson, SAF-Pakistan.
London’s SOAS Gallery will host (Un)Layering the Future Past of South Asia: Young Artists’ Voices, an exhibition featuring 26 emerging and established artists from six South Asian countries.
Mr. Aziz Hazara a distinguished alumnus of Beaconhouse National University (BNU) and a shining example of UMISAA's legacy, has been honored by ARTnews for his groundbreaking project "Coming Home." This recognition as one of the 100 Best Artworks of the 21st Century is a testament to Hazara’s exceptional talent, artistic vision, and deep socio-political engagement....
UNESCO successfully hosted a landmark thematic consultation titled "Art for All at the Heart of Tomorrow's Cultural Policies" as part of the International Women's Day celebrations. The event brought together global leaders, artists, policymakers, and cultural advocates to explore the transformative role of art in shaping inclusive and sustainable cultural policies for the future. Madam France Marquet, Principal Trustee
UNESCO MADANJEET SINGH CENTER OF SOUTH ASIAN JOURNALISUM (UMCSAJ) announces FULLY paid scholarship for Postgraduate Diploma in Journalisum. Last Date to receive the nomination from South Asia Foundation Chapters is 7th April, 2025.
Aziz Hazara, a talented alumnus of Bahauddin Zakariya University (BNU), has achieved remarkable recognition in the global art scene. His work has been selected as one of the top 100 artworks of the 21st century by two prestigious art publications—Art News and Art in America.
Prof Salima Hashmi is a prominent figure in the arts and cultural landscape of Pakistan. As the Director at the UNESCO Madanjeet Singh Institute for South Asian Arts (UMISAA) at Beaconhouse National University (BNU) and the Chairperson of the South Asia Foundation Pakistan, she has played a significant role
During the event, Madam France Marquet, SAF Representative to UNESCO and Trustee of the Madanjeet Singh Foundation, met Ms. Ariana Cortez, Vice Chancellor of the Metropolitan University of Educational Sciences (UMCE), Chile. Their discussion highlighted the shared commitment to advancing education and scientific research, particularly in Latin America and South Asia.
The nation mourns the passing of Mr. Navin B. Chawla, Former Chief Election Commissioner of India and Chairperson of the South Asia Foundation-India (SAF-India). He passed away on February 1, 2025, leaving behind an enduring legacy of service, compassion, and leadership.
The South Asia Foundation is proud to sponsor the National Conference on Green Energy Technologies for Sustainability (NCGETS-2025) under the UNESCO Chair activity. ..
Two Scholars selected from SAF-Nepal to Join UNESCO Madanjeet Singh Centre of South Asian Journalism( UMCSAJ),ACJ
The Department of Law and Human Rights, University of Asia Pacific (UAP) has a special centre of excellence named the UNESCO Madanjeet Singh South Asian Institute of Advanced Legal and Human Rights Studies (UMSAILS), which significantly contributes to legal education.
Title: Grateful Acknowledgment of Support for Forestry Studies in Bhutan In a heartfelt message, Alumnus UMCSAFS Farshad Alam Chowdhury, a lecturer at the Forestry Science and Technology Institute in Chittagong, Bangladesh, expressed his sincere appreciation to Madam France Marquet, Principal Trustee MSFand UNESCO SAF Representative.
The South Asia Foundation (SAF) Nepal Chapter organized the SAF Alumni Meet in Kathmandu in the first week of December. More than 300 alumni from SAARC member countries coming from various disciplines such as water resources engineering, journalism, green energy technology, international relations, law, development studies and forestry participated in the gathering graced by Vice President Ramsahay Prasad Yadav, according to a statement issued by SAF Nepal Chapter.
Madanjeet Singh Institute of South Asian Arts (UMISAA), Beaconhouse National University (BNU) proudly announces the Investiture Ceremony of the UNESCO Chair on Inclusion through Art, the first of its kind in Pakistan, to be held on December 13, 2024, at the university’s campus. This prestigious occasion marks a significant milestone in promoting inclusive and sustainable arts education on both a national and global scale.
Heartiest congratulations to Ms. Kunzang Wangmo, an accomplished alumna of the Madanjeet Singh Institute of South Asian Arts (UMISAA), Batch 2011-14, for winning the coveted 1st Prize at a prestigious art competition....
10th of Dec 2024 will remain etched in golden letters for Pondicherry University as the UNESCO Chair on "Renewable and Clean Energy for Sustainable Development" has been inaugurated at UMSGET the inaugurated by Madame France Marquet, Principal Trustee of the MSF, and Mr. Timothy Curtis, Director and UNESCO Representative in the presence of the Prof. K. Tharanikkarasu, Vice Chancellor and other dignitaries of the University.
In a momentous gathering aimed at fostering global collaboration and intellectual growth, Madam France Madame France Marquet, the Principal Trustee of the Madanjeet Singh Foundation (MSF), and Mr. Tim curtis, Director and Representative for the UNESCO Regional office for South Asia met with the current batch of scholars and Prof. Arun Prasath, Director of UMSGET (UNESCO Madanjeet Singh School of Green Energy Technologies), on Tuesday.
Madame France Marquet, Principal Trustee of the Madanjeet Singh Foundation (MSF), and Mr. Timothy Curtis, Director and Representative for the UNESCO Regional Office for South Asia covering Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Nepal, the Maldives and Sri Lanka, visited the UNESCO Madanjeet Singh Centre of the Asian College of Journalism (UMCSAJ)....
Speaking directly to the artists in attendance, Prof Hashmi challenged them to think deeply about the purpose of their work, “Every artist should ask themselves, 'Who is this for? Why am I doing this? Does it impact anyone’s life?' At that point, they create an audience for themselves."
The first-ever SAF Alumni meet was held from 4th to 6th December 2024 at Kathmandu. Attended by more than 350 Alumni from all the eight SAF Institutions of Excellence and also Representatives from all the SAF Chapters. Apart from a series of events conducted by Alumni of the Institutes, the meet provided an opportunity to SAF Alumni to interaction with scholars other than from their alma mater.
The UNESCO Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission commemorated the 20th anniversary of the devastating 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami at a solemn event held at UNESCO Headquarters in Paris. The ceremony brought together ambassadors, survivors, and advocates to honor the resilience and courage of communities affected by the tragedy......
The UNESCO Madanjeet Center for South Asia Forestry Studies (UMCSAFS) at College of Natural Resources (CNR), Royal University of Bhutan (RUB) in Lobesa, Punakha, Bhutan, is pleased to announce one candidate each for Madanjeet Singh scholarship from SAARC member countries for two years Masters Programme in Natural Resources Management (NRM) / Conservation Biology (CB) to be undertaken from July 2025 to June 2027...
The Master Class on Tolerance brought together 510 enthusiastic participants, including students from schools and universities in the Île-de-France region, and representatives from civic service associations. This initiative, highlighting the values of inclusion, dialogue, and mutual respect, was a resounding success....
The Master Class on Tolerance brought together 510 enthusiastic participants, including students from schools and universities in the Île-de-France region, and representatives from civic service associations. This initiative, highlighting the values of inclusion, dialogue, and mutual respect, was a resounding success.
On Friday, November 15, 2024, UNESCO will hold the 14th award ceremony of the prestigious UNESCO-Madanjeet Singh Prize for the Promotion of Tolerance and Non-Violence.
Mme France Marquet Representative SAF at UNESCO’s attended The Capacity Development and Water Family Coordination (CDW) section of UNESCO emphasizing its ongoing projects and efforts in sustainable water management across various regions.
Helsinki, Finland – In a moment of pride for India, SAF (South Asia Foundation) Alumni Ms. Vinaya Vilas Deshpande has been invited by the Finnish government to participate in a distinguished program in Helsinki. She joins a select cohort of representatives from nine countries, each chosen to explore Finland’s progressive approach to digitization and social systems....
The UNESCO Executive Board has announced the renewal of the Madanjeet Singh Prize for Tolerance and Non-Violence for another six-year period, marking a significant milestone in promoting global peace and tolerance....
In a recent development, an external evaluation of the UNESCO-Madanjeet Singh Prize for the Promotion of Tolerance and Non-Violence was conducted between May and June 2024....
The Universidad Metropolitana de Ciencias de la Educación (UMCE) is set to hold Under the Rainbow 3, an artistic and cultural event, this October. The event will take place at 4:00 PM in the Salón de Honor of UMCE....
Madam France Marquet, South Asia Foundation's (SAF) Representative to UNESCO, attended the 30th Anniversary celebration of UNESCO’s Routes of Enslaved Peoples ...
Madam France Marquet, the South Asia Foundation (SAF) Representative to UNESCO, actively participated in the 220th Session of the Executive Board at UNESCO Headquarters, Paris. The high-level event, which commenced on October 9, 2024, and will continue until October 23, 2024...
Latitude 28 and Bhavna Kakar proudly present "Gulistan", a solo show by the acclaimed artist Gopa Trivedi. The exhibition will be held at the prestigious Shridharani Gallery, Triveni Kala Sangam, New Delhi. The preview is scheduled for the 22nd of October, 2024, at 6 PM.
The Art Circle of the University of Jaffna's Department of Fine Arts proudly presents Selfscape, an exhibition of new media art by the talented artist Rinoshan Susiman....
Ayesha Sultana, an alumna of the inaugural UMISAA batch, and T. Vinoja, currently enrolled in the Master's program, have been recognized for their remarkable contributions to contemporary art. Their works will be displayed at the Javits Center in New York from September 6–8, 2024, offering them an unparalleled opportunity to present their unique perspectives to an international audience.
The Como Museum of Art is set to captivate art enthusiasts with its latest exhibition, "Dharti Dhar Dhar Dharke Gi," curated by the esteemed Prof Salima Hashmi....
UNESCO Madanjeet Singh South Asian Institute of Advanced Legal and Human Rights Studies (UMSAILS) aims to be a regional centre of excellence through undertaking research works and offering post‐graduate education in South Asian law and Human Rights. Its mission is to further the potential of South Asia in legal education, research and scholarship and to impart knowledge and the skills that are necessary to confront the new challenges of this era. It is sponsored by the South Asia Foundation (SAF), which is founded by UNESCO Goodwill Ambassador Madanjeet Singh.....
In an outstanding academic achievement, Mr. Sambuddha Bajracharya, a distinguished SAF alumni from Nepal, has been selected for the esteemed EPP Fellowship Program at Eawag in Switzerland. Mr. Bajracharya, who completed his Masters in Water Resources Engineering and Management from UMCSAWM University of Moratuwa, will embark on a four-month research journey at the renowned Swiss research institute.
Dr. Nischal N. Pandey, Chairman of the South Asia Foundation-Nepal (SAF-Nepal), hosted a heartfelt farewell event for the scholars on June 24, 2024. Both Ms. Rai and Ms. Devkota are already making their mark as young journalists in Nepal, and their selection for this program highlights their dedication and potential in the field.
Madam France Marquet, Principal Trustee, MSF and SAF Representative to UNESCO, attended the inauguration of the exhibition "Exposition Au Couvent Des Dominicains: Artwork of Mr. Hadi Rahnaward, an alumnus of the UNESCO Madanjeet Singh Institute for South Asian Art (UMISAA), BNU, Lahore..
The 29th edition of the International Book and Publishing Fair (SIEL 2024) is currently taking place in Rabat, Morocco, from May 9 to May 19. This event, held under the High Patronage of King Mohammed VI, was inaugurated by Prime Minister Aziz Akhannouch and features a diverse array of cultural and literary activities.
The 16th UNESCO Chair in India on “Renewable and Clean Energy for Sustainable Development” has been established in the Department of Green Energy Technology, Madanjeet School of Green Energy Technologies at Pondicherry University. The chair is to promote greener and cleaner energy technologies (solar, wind, biomass, hydro, ocean, green hydrogen, etc.) to mitigate the global issues such as climate change, global warming...
Mr Abiul Alam, a SAF Alumni from the UNESCO Madanjeet Singh Centre of South Asian Journalism (UMCSAJ), Asian College of Journalism, Chennai, India has been awarded the UNICEF Media Award-2023 for his compelling story titled "Manta and Erosion-Hit Children Grapple with Endless Identity Crisis.....
Dr. Nischal N. Pandey, Chairman of SAF-Nepal, recently paid a visit to the SAF Bangladesh chapter to discuss the organization of an upcoming SAF Alumni meeting. During his visit, Dr. Pandey engaged in discussions with Md Zakaria, Secretary of SAF-Bangladesh, exploring various aspects of the alumni gathering and about the admission fourth comming admission process at UNESCO MADANJEET SINGH SOUTH ASIAN INSTITUTE OF ADVANCED LEGAL AND HUMAN RIGHTS STUDIES (UMSAILS)
The Cult of Consciousness’ ; A group show comprising of six artists. The show runs from the 9th of May until the 19th at Alliance Français Delhi’s Galerie Romain Rolland. ...
Nominations are invited from respective SAF Chapters of SAARC countries for admission to two-year regular full-time M.Tech. Green Energy Technology program at the Department of Green Energy Technology, Madanjeet School of Green Energy Technologies, Pondicherry University, for the Academic Year 2024-25.
In a heartwarming celebration, the University Madanjeet Singh Centre for Development Studies and Research (UMCDSRC) at Kathmandu University marked the 100th birth anniversary of UNESCO Goodwill Ambassador and SAF Founder Madanjeet Singh.
Today April 16th, SAF celebrates a momentous occasion—the 100th birth anniversary of our esteemed founder, UNESCO Goodwill Ambassador Madanjeet Singh.
Academic journey and exploration often lead us to unexpected paths, shaping our perspectives and opening doors to new opportunities. As a UMCDSRC, SAF-Nepal Scholar at Kathmandu University, Nepal, my undergraduate was a journey of discovery, where I delved into fields of environment, economics.....
The National Conference on Green Energy Technologies for Sustainability (NCGETS2024) commenced with great enthusiasm at UMSGET, Pondicherry University. Professor R. Arun Prasath, Convenor and Head of Green Energy Technology, expressed gratitude to dignitaries and sponsors for their support. Emphasizing the urgency of transitioning to cleaner energy solutions, he highlighted the conference's aim to foster collaboration for sustainable development...
Two days National Conference on Green Energy Technologies supported by South Asia Foundation India for Sustainability is designed to deliberate research and technological development in various renewable energy technologies. Experts from various disciplines of renewable energy shall present their research findings and thoughts on the subject matter. Young scientists and scholars will have the opportunities to interact with their peers and present their recent research findings through oral and presentation...
The Two Day National Conference on Green Energy Technologies for Sustainability (NCGETS2024) commenced amidst great anticipation and enthusiasm at Pondicherry University. The inaugural session began with the rendition of the University Anthem, setting the tone for the day’s proceedings. Professor R. Arun Prasath, the Convenor and Head of Green Energy Technology, extended a warm welcome and about the conference.
UMSAILS has started its academic activities for 2024. This year we have received 4 students from SAARC Countries...
Mme France Marquet has been appointed as the SAF Representative to UNESCO. Teaming up with Mrs. Gabriela Ramos, the Assistant Director General for Social and Human Sciences, their collaboration aims to champion the rights of artists and promote cultural diversity worldwide. Together, they stand poised to drive impactful change and foster dialogue through the transformative power of art and culture.
It is 1947. A young student from the renowned Government College in Lahore is on the run, trying to escape communal riots. He is easily identifiable as a Sikh; his turban marks him from afar. He is waiting for the sun to set, allowing him to make his way towards the refugee camp, not far from the border.
UNESCO Celebrates International Mother Language Day: A global tribute to linguistic diversity and cultural heritage. The organization underscores the importance of preserving and promoting mother languages for sustainable development and mutual understanding.
In a delightful encounter in the heart of Paris,UNESCO Madanjeet Singh Centre of Development Studies and Regional Cooperation (UMCDSRC) Alumna, Mrs. Aashiyana Adhikari, from South Asian Foundation-Nepal program, (2015-2019 Batch), had the pleasure of meeting with Madam France Marquet, Principal Trustee Madanjeet Singh Foundation (MSF). The two shared a light lunch, engaging in a meaningful discussion about Mrs. Adhikari's remarkable professional journey post-graduation. A highlight of Mrs. Adhikari's achievements was her participation in an exchange program at UMSCSAJ
"Paris, February 15, 2024: Renowned humanitarian and Principal Trustee of MSF, Mme France Marquet, and acclaimed artist and UMISAA alumna, Ms Kubra Khademi, were featured in the thought-provoking 'Dislocation' Group Exhibition at Palais de Tokyo. The exhibition, held on this date, showcased a compelling exploration of themes surrounding displacement and upheaval, providing a unique intersection of art and humanitarianism. Attendees were captivated by the powerful narratives woven through the diverse artworks, making 'Dislocation' a poignant and memorable event at the Museum of Contemporary Art in Paris."