The annual meeting of the Unitwin network (Network of Universities for Underwater Archaeology) took place between April 23rd and 26th at the UNESCO headquarters in Paris. In this meeting, among other activities, the members of the council voted the membership applications universities that yearned to be part as associate members. Uruguay had its application approved through the Center for Coastal Heritage Research (CIPAC) which integrates the University Center of the Eastern Region (CURE-UdelaR).
UNITWIN is the abbreviation of the University Networks Program created by UNESCO in 1992. The Program was conceived as a way to promote research, training and the development of programs in all UNESCO’s fields of competence through the creation of university networks and the promotion of inter-university cooperation through the transfer of knowledge across borders.
The UNITWIN Network for Underwater Archaeology was formed in 2012 with the central objective of increasing the capacity of action and protection over the underwater cultural heritage (PCS) in the participating countries through international cooperation. The Network acts by formally connecting universities and vocational training institutions working in the field of underwater archaeology, which constitutes a bridge between the academic world, civil society, local communities, institutions and politicians.
The representative of CIPAC at this meeting was Prof. Dr. Rodrigo Torres, who orally defended the candidacy of Uruguay to the board of directors.