Research Topics

Research and academic activities aligned with every Sustainable Development Goal

Topics Header Photo
The University shall devote its work to research into the pressing global problems of human survival, development and welfare that are the concern of the United Nations and its agencies.
Charter of the United Nations University

People — topics on improving lives of people everywhere

Planet — topics on preserving and improving our environment and natural resources

Peace and partnerships — topics on fostering peaceful, just, and inclusive societies

Showing 1-10 of 9586 results

UNU Council Member UNU Council Member; Raffles Professor of Social Sciences, National University of Singapore

Prof. Brenda Yeoh

Professor Brenda S.A. Yeoh is a Singaporean scholar and expert in the fields of migration, social geography, and the politics of space in colonial and post-colonial cities.

Expert Junior Research Fellow

Bavo Stevens

Bavo Stevens was a Junior Research Fellow at the UNU Institute on Globalization, Culture and Mobility (UNU-GCM).

Proceedings 15 Jul 2026

Meaningful Work and Livelihoods in the Context of Online Freelancing Through Digital Platforms: A Kenya Case Study

This study examines how Kenyan online freelancers find meaning in precarious platform work, distinguishing task-level from livelihood-level meaning.

Feature 15 Jul 2026

Rethinking Institutions in an Era of Values Realism

Vincent Pouliot on inequality, adaptation and global policymaking.

Feature 15 Jul 2026

Breaking Silos in Global Governance

Silke Weinlich on learning, exchange and collective problem-solving.

Feature 15 Jul 2026

Imagination and Innovation in Global Environmental Governance

Maria Ivanova on leadership and tackling global environmental challenges.

Feature 15 Jul 2026

Fragmentation and the Future of Global Economic Governance

Marc Uzan on Middle Powers and opportunities for innovation.

Feature 15 Jul 2026

Learning from the Past to Renew Multilateral Cooperation

Caroline Dunton on adaptation, accountability and cooperation.