Lund, 11 November 2024– The United Nations University (UNU) has launched a new Hub on Water in a Changing Environment (WICE) at Lund University. This is the fourth UNU Hub globally and the second in Europe, working closely with the UNU Institute for Water, Environment and Health (UNU-INWEH). The Hub advances UNU's research and education in sustainable water solutions and environmental informatics, focusing on the Middle East and Global South.
The launch event was attended by distinguished guests, including Professor Tshilidzi Marwala, Rector of UNU and Under-Secretary-General of the United Nations; Vice-Chancellor Erik Renström of Lund University; Jason LaTorre, Ambassador of Canada to Sweden; Fikile Sylvia Magubane, Ambassador of South Africa in Denmark; Alexandra Bugailiskis, Chair of the UNU-INWEH International Advisory Committee; and Professor Kaveh Madani, Director of UNU-INWEH. At the end of the ceremony, a partnership agreement was signed by Rector Marwala and Vice-Chancellor Renström.
“The new UNU Hub, ‘Water in a Changing Environment,’ will play a critical role not only in advancing water sustainability and the achievement of UN Sustainable Development Goals but also in creating a powerful two-way bridge of knowledge between the Global North and the Global South,” said Rector Marwala.
The UNU Hub will bring together interdisciplinary experts to pioneer research and innovation in water management solutions. “Water linked to the environment and health is one of the most important global issues for the future of humankind. For Lund University, this hub is a fantastic opportunity to strengthen collaboration with the UN on major global issues,” said Vice-Chancellor Renström.
As the academic arm of the United Nations, with 13 institutes in 12 countries, UNU addresses a range of global development challenges through joint research and education. The formation of this Hub will enable active partnership between Lund University and UNU-INWEH, headquarters in Richmond Hill, Ontario, Canada. Known as the UN's Think Tank on Water, UNU-INWEH is working on major sustainability issues, addressing the most pressing water, environmental, and health problems worldwide. The institute has been supported by the Government of Canada through Global Affairs Canada.
“The establishment of the UNU-INWEH Hub at Lund University provides an important new platform to strengthen Canada and Sweden's cooperation as we tackle some of the world’s most pressing global challenges on water, environment, and health,” said Ambassador LaTorre. “I congratulate UNU-INWEH and Lund University on this important collaboration and milestone, creating a strong link between Canada and Sweden as we work together to build a more sustainable future.”
For Lund University, the collaboration offers opportunities for both researchers and students. Through the Hub, researchers from all faculties connected to water, environment, and health will be able to create networks and collaborate with leading researchers at UNU-INWEH. “As an alumnus of Lund University, it is my pleasure to be back here in Lund for the launch of the UNU Hub,” said Director Madani. “It is crucial that scientific advancements are translated into effective policies and impactful actions that foster tangible, real-world change. Lund University is well-placed to take the lead in bridging the science-policy-society gap to ensure sustainable water management.”
The UNU Hub at Lund University will establish a UN track for students studying programs connected with water, environment, and health. They will receive extra training and the opportunity to apply for internships at various international organizations. “This collaboration presents a fantastic opportunity for leadership and exchange between the Global North and South. It will enable us to attract highly motivated students eager to tackle water issues. We are excited about the potential for innovative solutions and meaningful partnerships that this initiative will foster, allowing for groundbreaking advancements in water management,” said Rolf Larsson, Associate Professor of Water Resources Engineering, who will be serving as the Executive Director the UNU Hub at Lund University.
“On behalf of the International Advisory Committee, I want to thank the Vice-Chancellor and Lund University for their warm welcome. We look forward to strengthening our partnership and collaboration and supporting the great work of your renowned researchers and dynamic students,” said Chair Bugailiskis.
Media Contact
Sogol Jafarzadeh
UN and Government Relations Coordinator, UNU-INWEH
sogol.jafarzadeh@unu.edu
