Event Date: 15 October 2026 14:00-16:00 (CET)
About the masterclass
As our world rapidly transforms under environmental and technological pressures, understanding the intersection of climate change, migration, and digital infrastructures is more critical than ever.
Our new 2-hour masterclass, “Policy Research translated to Action: Migration and Climate Change”, offers working professionals, researchers, government officials and policymakers the opportunity to learn about these topics from three expert speakers from three different United Nations University institutes:
- Prof. Dr. Melissa Siegel (UNU-Maastricht Economic and Social Research Institute on Innovation and Technology)
Section 1 - Introduction: Understanding the links between climate change and migration and the main pitfalls in the field
This session discusses the main linkages between migration and climate change as well as the main myths and misconceptions in the field. In this session we will gain a better understanding of the reality of the topic. - Dr. Robert Oakes (UNU-Institute for Environment and Human Security)
Section 2 - Modelling climate mobility:
Models of future climate mobility have been critiqued for determinism due to an over-simplification of human behaviour in response to environmental risks. However, computational developments, data availability and policy’s desire for data, all point to an increased role for future projections of mobility under climate change. This session will explore how climate hazards, individual decision-making and theoretical advances can be simulated to produce projections of future mobility and how these can be used for policy makers. - Bushra Ebadi (UNU-Operating Unit on Policy-driven Electronic Governance)
Section 3 - Case Study on Data Centers and Displacement: Digital Infrastructures of Displacement
"Digital transformation", Big Data, and advanced computing (genAI, machine learning, etc.) depend on digital infrastructure, such as data centres, network cables, and satellites. Digital infrastructures are not neutral; they have social, environmental, political, and health impacts that disproportionately affect systematically marginalized communities around the world. This module draws insights from the UNU-EGOV Just-CARE initiative, providing learners with an overview of the ways select digital infrastructure, namely data centres and checkpoints, directly and indirectly result in forced displacement of local communities (human and non-human).
By the end of the masterclass, participants will:
- Understand how migration and climate change are related and what challenges are faced in the intersection
- Understand how climate hazards, individual decision-making and theoretical advances can be simulated to produce projections of future mobility and how these can be used for policy makers.
- Understand the ways select digital infrastructure, namely data centres and checkpoints, directly and indirectly result in forced displacement of local communities (human and non-human).
This masterclass is part of the Policy Research translated to Action Series, where three expert speakers from three different UNU institutes share their research and insights on the session’s topic, focusing on practical applications and how academic knowledge is translated into policy advice.
Who should attend
This session targets policymakers, government officials and other relevant civil servants from national and regional administrations, officials from international organisations, entrepreneurs, professionals in the digital and other relevant sectors, representatives of civil society organisations, universities, research centres, think-tanks, as well as the general public.
Registration & Fees
Fee: 50 EUR per masterclass
(UNU staff are eligible for a fee waiver. Please request it sending an email to onlinecourses@merit.unu.edu)
Duration: Two hours
Modality: Online
Registration and payment: https://www.aanmelder.nl/176988/subscribe
Participants that join a session will get a certificate of participation upon request.
If you successfully registered and paid the fee to join a masterclass but are not able to join, you will receive a recording of the session after the event.
We are offering 10 discount vouchers (50%) aimed at participants from the global south working in government institutions, NGOs or educational institutions. To apply for the discount, use this form.
Cancellation rules:
- Until one week before the event: Full reimbursement, minus the registration fee.
- Less than one week before the event: No tuition fee reimbursement.
Please do not hesitate to reach out to onlinecourses@merit.unu.edu in case of any questions.
