Who are we?
Silk Roads Programme
Section for Inclusion, Rights and Intercultural Dialogue
Social and Human Sciences Sector
Contact: silkroads@unesco.org
UNESCO Headquarters
7 Place de Fontenoy 75007
Paris, France
Silk Roads Programme Team Members
Mehrdad Shabahang is the programme specialist for the Silk Roads programme within the “Inclusion, Rights and Intercultural Dialogue” section of UNESCO's Social and Human Sciences sector. Since joining UNESCO in 2007, he has worked on the ‘Routes of Dialogue’ and ‘General and Regional Histories’ programmes. Now responsible for the Silk Roads Programme, he is in charge of the conceptual and operational management of the programme and its different sub-initiatives. He also acts as the editorial supervisor for the Silk Roads Online Platform.
Prior to joining UNESCO, he worked for the Magazine “Report of Dialogue” at the International Centre for Dialogue among Civilizations in Iran (2002-2004). Mehrdad Shabahang holds a PhD in the History of Regions and Religious Anthropology.
Tara Golkar contributes to the daily implementation of the Silk Roads Programme. She is in charge of the development of the communication and outreach of the Silk Roads Programme via its various initiatives, events and activities. She also supports the coordination between the programme and its numerous partners, governmental bodies, academic entities and other stakeholders.
Xiaoyang Duan is a Consultant of the Silk Roads Programme. She actively contributes to the implementation of the Silk Roads Programme and its different initiatives to promote intercultural dialogue and sustainable peace.
Mark Smith is a consultant actively implicated in the Silk Roads Programme, contributing to its various initiatives to foster cultural exchange and intercultural dialogue. He also serves as the English editor, ensuring all English-language content is clear.