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 8896 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).

News 29 Apr 2026

Event Discusses Community-led Approaches to Post-disaster Recovery

An event in Kanazawa City engaged citizens and local practitioners to discuss initiatives for sustainable recovery and resilient communities.

News 29 Apr 2026

Save the Date: Dresden Nexus Conference Heads to the Mediterranean in 2027

Mediterranean Edition 2027 Advancing the Resource Nexus from the Source to Sea Continuum 27–29 April 2027 | Sant Pau, Barcelona, Spain

News 29 Apr 2026

Rush for Critical Minerals Echoes Oil Extraction Injustice as Harms Fall on World's Most Vulnerable, UN Scientists Warn

EVs, renewable energy systems and AI infrastructure have benefits but they are driving severe costs borne disproportionately by the poor.

Feature 29 Apr 2026

From Crisis Response to Global Financial Coordination: The Evolution of the FSB

Daniel Bradlow discusses the role of the Financial Stability Board in global financial governance and its implications for representation and reform.

Report 29 Apr 2026

The UN Beyond GDP Intergovernmental Process

Key Dimensions for 2026 and Beyond.

Feature 29 Apr 2026

Strengthening Data for Better Outcomes in Forced Displacement

Aissatou Maisha Dicko discusses how data and evidence are shaping responses for refugees and displaced populations.

Expert Lead, Evidence-Based Water Action

Jean-Marie Kileshye Onema

Professor Jean-Marie Kileshye Onema's work advances regional capacity development and applied research across Southern Africa and beyond. 

Feature 29 Apr 2026

Unlocking Finance for Education Through Innovative Guarantees

Nicholas Vaughan explains how IFFEd is using blended finance to expand investment in education and beyond.