The UNESCO Chair in Education for Pluralism, Human Rights and Democracy was established as part of an agreement signed by the Vice-Chancellor of the University of Ulster and the Director-General of UNESCO in July 1999. The Chair is held by Professor Alan Smith. His work includes research on education and conflict, young people's understanding of human rights and the development of social, civic and political education.

UNESCO aims to facilitate the international exchange of scholarship in relation to educational, scientific and cultural developments. This Chair has an important role to play in facilitating that exchange.

The Chair is part of a world wide network of more than 500 UNESCO Chairs based in Universities in 114 countries. Further information about the UNESCO Chairs network can be found at the UNESCO web site.