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 5736 results

UNU Council Member

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

Bavo Stevens

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

News 21 Nov 2025

COP30 Event Explores Youth-led Urban Futures

An event at the COP30 SDG Pavilion in Belém, Brazil discussed the role of youth in co-creating sustainable urban futures.

Report 21 Nov 2025

Climate Change, Food Insecurity and Conflict

Understanding the climate-food-conflict nexus – and practical options to address climate-induced hunger and instability.

Seminar -

Beyond Springboarding: How Chinese Companies Leapfrogged to Become Global Leaders in the Automotive Industry

MAASTRICHT & ONLINE: Our UNU-MERIT Seminar Series team is pleased to announce our upcoming research seminar featuring Gabriel R.G. Benito, Research Professor in the Department of Strategy and Entrepreneurship at the BI Norwegian Business School.

Event -

Public Values in AI Research Webinar Series

Tommaso Ciarli chairs a webinar on public values in AI research, part of a series exploring methods to align AI with societal priorities.

Media Coverage 20 Nov 2025

A UN mission in Gaza can work only with Palestinian participation

In The National Adam Day argues that any international presence in Gaza must be legitimate in the eyes of Gazans.

Seminar -

AI in Action: Advancing Research for the SDGs

ONLINE: This webinar will discuss how AI can support university research aimed at global sustainability challenges.

News 19 Nov 2025

Youth and Researchers Discuss Cross-Cutting Solutions at COP30

A side event at the 2025 UN Climate Change Conference (COP30) in Belém, Brazil shared innovative initiatives to address capacity gaps and barriers.