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

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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).

Feature 31 Oct 2026

Strengthening International Data Governance

Steve MacFeely on cross-border data exchange, multi-stakeholder cooperation and the role of the UN.

Feature 31 Oct 2026

Addressing Gaps in Global Governance

Jin Sun on global public goods, institutional cooperation and the role of the UN.

Feature 31 Oct 2026

Building Trust and Inclusion in Global Governance

Sarwat Adnan on trust, inclusive decision-making and the role of the UN in global cooperation.

Feature 31 Oct 2026

Advancing Multi-Stakeholder AI Governance

Fu Hong Yu on international consensus, institutional experimentation and people-centred AI governance.

Feature 31 Oct 2026

How Global Governance Works

Thomas Biersteker on the nature of global governance, institutional innovation and the evolution of multilateralism.

Feature 31 Oct 2026

Reimagining the Future of Global Governance

Jia Kai on imagination, dialogue and cooperation in global governance.

News 30 Oct 2026

Collaboration is the solution to pollution

Penélope Raposeiras is looking at the way bacteria support each other during the effective degradation of contaminant hydrocarbons

News 30 Oct 2026

UNU Macau AI Conference 2026 First Program Released

Explore the first program for two days of dialogue, innovation and practical learning.