Launched at the UNU Macau AI Conference 2024, The UNU Global AI Network serves as a global platform to advance the vision of the Global Digital Compact through multi-stakeholder cooperation on responsible AI governance and digital development.
To mark the second anniversary of the Network, the UNU Global AI Network has launched the Insight Series. In this series, members of the UNU Global AI Network are invited to share diverse insights at the intersection of artificial intelligence and sustainable development. By bringing together perspectives from across regions and disciplines, the series seeks to explore both the opportunities and challenges of shaping AI for the benefit of all.
Contributions from all interested members of the UNU Global AI Network are welcome. Meanwhile, all submissions are expected to meet the following requirements:
Purpose of the Insight Series
The UNU Global AI Network Insight Series provides an open and accessible platform for members of the UNU Global AI Network to contribute timely, insightful, and policy-relevant perspectives on the intersection of artificial intelligence and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
The series is intended for concise, accessible thought leadership articles rather than formal academic journal submissions. The contributions are generally published on UNU Macau website blog section: https://unu.edu/macau/blog
Contributions should support constructive dialogue on responsible AI governance, ethics, innovation, digital development, and related policy challenges. Submissions may include:
- Policy analysis and commentary;
- Research-informed perspectives;
- Case studies and practical experiences;
- Reflections on emerging trends and governance challenges; or
- Forward-looking ideas related to AI and sustainable development.
Contributions are expected to align fully with the values and principles of the United Nations and the United Nations University, particularly those relating to responsible AI governance, ethics, inclusivity, equity, human rights, and human-centred sustainable development.
By submitting a contribution for publication, authors acknowledge and agree to the UNU Global AI Network Insight Series Disclaimer below:
The UNU Global AI Network Insight Series is launched to celebrate the Network’s two-year anniversary. In this series, members of the UNU Global AI Network share diverse insights at the intersection of artificial intelligence and sustainable development. Bringing together perspectives across regions and disciplines, the series explores both the opportunities and challenges of shaping AI for all.
The views expressed in published articles of this series are solely those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the positions of the United Nations University, UNU Macau, the United Nations, or affiliated entities. Publication does not imply endorsement or institutional approval.
Authors are responsible for the accuracy and originality of their contributions. UNU reserves the right to edit, decline, or remove submissions in line with the purpose and values of the series.
Length and Format
Submissions should be concise, engaging, and reader-friendly. The preferred length is under 1,000 words, with approximately 800–950 words recommended for optimal online readability. Longer contributions may be considered as part of a multi-part series or edited, in consultation with the author, to meet length requirements.
To ensure accessibility for a broad audience of policymakers, practitioners, researchers, and other stakeholders, authors are encouraged to:
- Use straightforward, inclusive, and non-technical language wherever possible;
- Explain technical concepts or terminology clearly when necessary;
- Use clear and descriptive subheadings;
- Keep paragraphs relatively short;
- Use bullet points or numbered lists where appropriate to highlight key ideas or recommendations；
Submissions should be provided in an editable format, preferably Microsoft Word.
Content and Style
Submissions should be original, well-reasoned, and policy-relevant. Contributions are expected to offer thoughtful analysis or practical insights that advance constructive dialogue on AI and sustainable development.
The series particularly welcomes balanced and forward-looking contributions that demonstrate analytical depth while remaining accessible to a broad international audience.
Authors should present their ideas in a clear, engaging, and professional manner suitable for policymakers, practitioners, researchers, and other stakeholders. Excessive jargon should be avoided or clearly explained.
All factual claims, data, and assertions should be supported by appropriate evidence, examples, or references wherever possible.
Submissions should not have been previously published elsewhere unless clearly disclosed and approved by the editorial team.
Mandatory Disclosures
The following disclosures must be included at the end of the manuscript, before the reference list. Failure to provide the required disclosures may result in the submission being returned for revision.
Citations and References
All factual claims, data, and assertions should be supported by appropriate evidence. Authors should provide a complete list of references using a consistent citation style (e.g., APA, Chicago, or Harvard).
Conflict of Interest
Authors must disclose any actual, potential, or perceived conflict of interest — financial, institutional, personal, or otherwise — that could reasonably be perceived as influencing the submission.
If no conflict of interest exists, authors should state:
“The author(s) declare no conflict of interest.”
Sensitive or Controversial Issues
Authors should indicate whether the submission addresses particularly sensitive or controversial issues.
Use of AI Tools
Authors must disclose any use of generative AI tools in the preparation of the manuscript.
Example:
“This article was drafted with the assistance of generative AI tools and subsequently reviewed and substantially edited by the author.”
Review and Publication Process
All submissions will undergo an editorial review by the UNU Global AI Network team. The review will focus on the submission’s relevance to the Insight Series, clarity of expression, coherence of argument, and alignment with the purpose and values of the series.
The UNU Global AI Network team reserves the right to suggest revisions to improve length, tone, clarity, or overall readability. Authors will be consulted on any substantive changes.
The final decision on acceptance and publication rests with the UNU Global AI Network team.
How to Submit
Please send the draft as well as the full name(s), title(s) and affiliation(s) of the author(s) to the network email address ainetwork@unu.edu with the subject line: “Insight Series Submission – [Proposed Title]”.
We warmly welcome contributions to the UNU Global AI Network Insight Series and thank you for supporting dialogue on AI and sustainable development.
For inquiries, please contact: ainetwork@unu.edu
