News

Celebrating 50 Years of the United Nations University

50 years of UNU, 80 years of the UN, and 10 years of the Dresden Nexus Conference.

This year marks the 50th anniversary of the United Nations University (UNU). Since 1975, UNU has grown from an office in Tokyo to a global network of institutes on five continents. For 50 years, UNU has contributed research expertise to support the efforts of the UN system and to generate evidence-based solutions to the world's most pressing problems.

Throughout the past 50 years, UNU has made immense strides in its mission to provide education, research and evidence-based solutions for sustainable development. As we look ahead, UNU will continue its legacy of research excellence, but with a renewed focus on three priority areas — Knowledge, Partnerships, and Impact — particularly in the Global South. - UNU Rector and United Nations Under-Secretary General, Prof. Tshilidzi Marwala 

UNU-FLORES, one of two UNU institutes in Germany, was established in 2012 and plays a key role in advancing sustainable management of environmental resources. This milestone year also marks the launch of UNU’s 2024–2029 Strategy, guiding its mission for the years ahead.

Adding to the significance of this anniversary, the United Nations itself celebrates 80 years, and UNU-FLORES commemorates the 10th edition of the Dresden Nexus Conference, which it co-convenes with partners. Throughout the year, UNU-FLORES will spotlight these milestones, reflecting on achievements and future directions.

Related content

Series

Resilient Food, Forest and Ecosystems

Food systems, forests, and ecosystems face rising pressure from climate change and demand. This focus area promotes sustainable resource management.

20 May 2026

Journal Article

Enhancing Tea Agrifood System Resilience Amid Geopolitical Tensions: A Resource Nexus-Based System Dynamics Analysis

This publication was released as part of the UNU-FLORES focus area Resilient Food, Forest and Ecosystems.

13 May 2026

Article

Ancestral Sociohydrology: Transforming Water Research by Learning from Multiple Ways of Knowing, Relating to, and Governing Water

The contemporary scientific concept of the hydrological cycle emerged within a positivist paradigm.

07 May 2026