UNU Centre for Policy Research

Innovative solutions to policy challenges

Combining research excellence with deep knowledge of the multilateral system to generate solutions for current and future challenges.

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Research highlights

Report

Beyond GDP and the Multidimensional Vulnerability Index

Efforts to redefine progress beyond GDP by adopting new multidimensional measures that capture social and environmental well-being.

23 Jun 2025

Report

Improving the Global Debt Architecture

An overview of efforts to reform the global debt system and the challenges emerging economies face amid a shifting creditor landscape.

23 Jun 2025

Recent publications

Working Paper

Does the United Nations need agents?

Testing the role of AI agent generated personas in humanitarian action.

21 May 2025

Report

2025 Peacebuilding Fund Thematic Review on Youth, Peace and Security

Exploring programmatic best practices and lessons learned on youth participation in peacebuilding.

13 May 2025

Report

Organized crime and conflict in the Central African Republic

Exploring multilateral responses to armed group involvement in illicit activities.

10 May 2025

Brief

Operationalizing prevention

How the UN human rights system can connect early warning to action.

09 Apr 2025

Brief

From signals to action

How the UN human rights system can deliver early warning and conflict prevention.

09 Apr 2025

Brief

Transnational organized crime and peacekeeping: strengthening mission approaches for greater impact

A call for political strategies and operational coherence to address organized crime in UN peace operations.

08 May 2025

Report

Revisiting the sovereign debt architecture: The Common Framework and considerations for a swift debt relief mechanism

Recommendations to improve the sovereign debt architecture ahead of upcoming multilateral processes.

06 Nov 2024

Report

Towards a global governance framework: climate-driven migration

Examining research on the driving factors, patterns and consequences of climate-driven migration.

23 Oct 2024

United Nations General Assembly Hall in the UN Headquarters, New York.

Assembly for peace

A digital handbook on the UN General Assembly’s past practice on peace and security.
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Selected projects

Project

Global Governance Innovation Platform

Exploring innovative governance structures and decision-making mechanisms for solutions to today’s complex global challenges.

06 Jan 2025

Project

2025 PBF Thematic Review on Youth, Peace and Security

Examining how the Peacebuilding Fund has contributed to realizing the "YPS" agenda over the past five years.

13 May 2024

Project

Supporting the Secretary-General's Scientific Advisory Board

Fostering active conversations and bridging the gap between the global scientific community and UN leadership.

17 Apr 2025

Project

Countering transnational organized crime in conflict-affected States

Recommendations to improve the effectiveness of multilateral counter-crime initiatives in fragile States.

10 May 2025

Expert insights

Blog Post

No second to spare: an urgent agenda for future generations

The world demands urgent, collective action to prevent catastrophic risks and ensure a livable future for coming generations.

02 Jun 2025

Blog Post

Pivoting development for a new era

Leaders face diminishing levels of foreign aid. Here’s three ways they (and their partners) can look to adapt.

11 Mar 2025

Blog Post

Capacity-building: a solution to the "credit rating impasse"

UN efforts to help Global South countries navigate the credit rating system could reduce debt burdens and promote development.

05 Mar 2025

Blog Post

Revisiting the Peacebuilding Commission's "bridging" and advisory role

Why the Peacebuilding Architecture Review should focus on redefining the Commission's engagement with the General Assembly and other UN bodies.

14 Dec 2024

News and events

Event

Reimagining climate governance: reforms, models and actions

Designing actionable innovations to meet today’s climate needs

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Event

Fourth International Conference on Financing for Development (FfD4)

Supporting reform of the international financial architecture and mobilizing investments in the Sustainable Developments Goals.

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News

Hamburg Declaration on Responsible AI for the SDGs

The Declaration was endorsed by UNU and co-developed by a team of researchers at UNU-CPR.

14 Jun 2025

Workshop

Fostering Partnerships between DC and New York for Development Financing and Multilateralism

Advancing debt sustainability and multilateral cooperation ahead of FfD4.

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