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

Prosperity — topics on building a sustainable and fulfilling future

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

Showing 1-10 of 10727 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).

Media Coverage 16 Oct 2026

UNU Research Impact Highlighted in 2027 University Rankings

UNU ranked first among universities in Japan for citations per paper and percentage of internationally co-authored papers.

Event -

Thematic Event at the 9th Paris Peace Forum: Water, Oceans and Peace: Who Defines the Rules of Our Shared Resources?

Exploring how water and ocean governance can become more equitable, inclusive and representative in a changing world.

Side Event -

Water for Socio-Ecological Resilience: Integrated Landscape and Basin Governance for People and Planet

ONLINE: This side event of the 2026 UN Water Conference will discuss the governance functions and investments needed to support sustainable water management.

Conversation Series -

The Future of Leadership: Humanity, AI and the Rise of Performance Intelligence

On 27 November 2026, UNU will host a conversation with Dr. Sharmla Chetty, CEO of Duke Corporate Education.

Article 06 Nov 2026

Arthur Lewis Was Right About Everything, Except The Robots

Africa needs a model that uses AI to boost productivity while expanding human skills, entrepreneurship and participation.

Event -

4th Annual Meeting of the Greening Education Partnership

ANTALYA, TÜRKIYE & ONLINE: This session will discuss climate-friendly schools, teacher training, and climate literacy as a measurable learning outcome.

Staff Programme Coordinator of UNU-BIOLAC

Dr. Jaheli Fuenmayor

In October 2026, Dr. Jaheli Fuenmayor joined UNU-BIOLAC as Programme Coordinator, with the aim of strengthening the promotion of biotechnology in Latin America and the Caribbean as a tool for advancing the United Nations mandate on sustainable development.