UNU-CPR has recruited three ‘Global Futures Fellows’ to strengthen the Centre’s foresight capacity and develop innovative, forward-looking policy innovations to enhance the multilateral system.
The Global Futures Fellowship, a new annual initiative hosted by UNU-CPR, offers a unique opportunity for dedicated employees of the United Nations and intergovernmental organizations (IGOs) to engage in collaborative efforts with a UN Think Tank.
Under the mentorship of an expert advisory board comprised of thought leaders and sector specialists, the fellows will develop solutions with the potential to enhance anticipatory action and strengthen multilateralism. Specifically, they will explore options to improve the effectiveness of predictive analytics and geo-informatic systems, primarily in the context of climate change.
Over the course of the fellowship, the fellows will develop research projects and promote their solutions through publications, conference presentations, and a joint workshop that will bring together a diverse array of decision-makers across the Un system, Member States, and the wider international community.
The Fellowship aligns with the objectives of Our Common Agenda, the Secretary-General’s vision for the future of global cooperation, which calls for more inclusive, networked, and effective multilateralism; a shift that requires leveraging innovation, data, strategic foresight, results orientation, behavioral science, and enhanced partnerships. Global Future Fellows will also contribute to the Summit of the Future, to be held during the UN General Assembly in 2024.
The Global Futures Fellows
Subhra Bhattacharjee
Subhra Bhattacharjee currently serves as the Strategic Planner and Head of the United Nations Resident Coordinator's Office in Bahrain. She has a significant track record in public policy at both national and sub-national levels, coupled with extensive experience in programme coordination at the intersection of development, humanitarian action, and peace initiatives. Skilled in policy design and advocacy, strategic planning, and negotiations, she holds a Master of Philosophy in International Economics from Jawaharlal Nehru University and a Doctor of Philosophy in Environmental and Macro-Economics from Iowa State University. Her dual objectives encompass helping countries end extreme poverty and address the ongoing climate crisis.
Giuseppe Molinario
Giuseppe Molinario is a seasoned geospatial and environmental scientist with over a decade of professional experience in the application of Geographical Information Systems (GIS) and satellite remote sensing for environmental and development purposes. Currently serving as a Geospatial Technology Consultant at the World Bank, he holds a Master's degree in Geography and a Doctorate in Geographical Sciences from the University of Maryland. Presently, his focus centers on empowering developing countries to enhance their disaster management capabilities through the strategic utilization of geospatial technologies for preparedness, response, and resilience.
Josée Poirier
Josée Poirier is Senior Project Manager, AI for Humanity, at Mila – Quebec Artificial Intelligence Institute, where she translates AI research into applications that benefit humanity. Her previous positions have included Senior Data Scientist at the Centre for Humanitarian Data, hosted by the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA), and Lecturer in Analytics at Northeastern University’s College of Professional Studies. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Linguistics and Psychology from McGill University, and a PhD in Language and Communicative Disorders from UC San Diego and San Diego State University.
For more information, please contact: Dr. Eleonore Fournier-Tombs, Head of Anticipatory Action and Innovation, UNU CPR (fourniertombs@unu.edu).
