The UNU-DTSD Program is a unique program that builds on an intensive collaboration between UNU-MACAU (Macau), UNU-MERIT (Maastricht, The Netherlands) and UNU-EHS (Bonn, Germany). The program is designed for scholars currently enrolled in their Bachelor, Master or Doctoral programmes in higher education institutions or that hold an early career research position.
Event Contact
For Global participants: Dr. Mindel van de Laar, cdo@merit.unu.edu
For Chinese participants: Mrs. Min Wang, wangmin@undsdp.org.cn
About the program
Inspired by the global digital and green transition, the program cultivates our participants’ strategic vision and leadership potential, to develop their research skills and knowledge to utilize digital technology to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The program represents a truly multidisciplinary perspective – building on the Digitalisation and AI expertise of UNU-MACAU, the Public Policy, Innovation and Development focus of UNU-MERIT and the knowledge on AI and climate change of UNU-EHS. The three perspectives, brought to the participants via the classes from professors and researchers from all three UNU institutions, are provided to the participants through a series of classes and workshops. The direct interaction during the visit to the three universities in three countries, allows participants to really experience the United Nations University.
Our participants will receive support on professional career development, are able to expand their global competencies, and will prepare them for working within international organizations. The program includes visits to UN institutions, and a number of (optional) social events that allow the cohort of participants to network and engage outside of class.
Click here for the program flyer.
Structure of the programme
The programme starts with a class day at UNU-MACAU in Macau. This session is hybrid, allowing Asian participants to join in person, and participants from other continents can join this session online. During this session, the UN system as well as the foundations of AI are explained.
During the weekend, participants travel to The Netherlands. This can be done in company of our coordinators, but participants can also choose to travel independent and use their weekend time in Amsterdam or another city in the Netherlands.
In Maastricht, at UNU-MERIT, we zoom in on the use of AI for Public Policy – e.g labour market policy and the use of Monitoring and Evaluation to understand best practices and learn from implemented policies. Through lectures basic knowledge is shared, and through interactive sessions we build skills of cooperation, communication, software use, data use and presentation. During our sessions in Bonn at UNU-EHS the focus is on the use of AI to better handle Climate change, including elements such as climate adaptation and disaster risk management.
On Saturday in Bonn, participants are free to spend their time flexible. Bonn is in the centre of Europe, and train connections bring participants in an hour to Cologne and a few hours to Berlin or Paris. Sunday the group travels back to Maastricht and is free to spend the day in the city. On Monday 9 February, the last day of the program, participants will present their group work. Upon completion, participants will obtain their certificate.
You can view the tentative timetable here.
You can download the flyer here.
Learning objectives
At the end of the programme, participants:
- Know the structure of the UN and its entities
- Understand how Digitalisation and AI change societies
- Understand the basics of AI and are able to use it
- Have the ability to link the concepts of AI and Digitalisation to Public Policy and Development
- Understand the relationship between AI and Climate Change
- Experience working in a team and co-create solutions for global pressing issues,
- Complete a group work with the guidance of the UNU researchers and experts, and present that to the cohort and experts.
Admission requirements
The program is open for enrolment. We welcome participants from around the globe, with an interest in international topics related to the UN Sustainable Development Goals. Students should be interested in research, or further study or work in international organisations. While we prefer students with a master’s degree student PhD students, we also welcome undergraduate students with good understanding of research.
Specific interest in AI, Digitalisation, Sustainability and Public Policy is beneficial.
In order to be eligible for admission, applicants have to submit:
- the completed enrolment application form.
- a copy of a valid passport or ID-card
- a CV
- a motivation letter
- a passport picture
- proof of enrollment at or proof of having obtained a degree a University of Applied Sciences / Bachelor of Arts / Bachelor of Scientific
- proof of meeting language requirement (minimum level equivalent to a 6.5 IELTS score)
The application deadline is 17 November for all participants. Upon confirmation of eligibility, participants are provided an eligibility letter, with request to pay the tuition fee.
Click here for the admission form.
Payment
Tuition fees
The tuition fee for the UNU-DTSD Program is 1,975 euros per participant.
Upon payment, an invitation letter for the visum application will be provided. The visa application should be handled by the participant.
Please note that the joint UNU institutions are unfortunately not able to provide scholarships for this programme.
The tuition includes:
- Registration to the programm
- Access to the learning environment, including readings, software and other relevant information.
- Training in MACAU, Maastricht and Bonn
- Bus transfer from Maastricht to Bonn and Bonn-Brussels-Maastricht
- Certificate of completion
The tuition does not include
- Visa expenses (including health and travel insurance)
- Travel from/to Macau
- Travel from/to Maastricht (plane and train)
- Accommodation expenses in Macau, Maastricht and Bonn. The organisation will provide alternative accommodation recommendations (budget and middle class options) and will facilitate the booking.
- Meals
For payment, please use the following link: https://www.aanmelder.nl/167862
Refund Policy for Course Withdrawal
- Full Refund Before Registration Deadline: Participants who withdraw before the registration deadline (17 November) are eligible for a full refund of fees paid, minus 100 euro administration costs.
- Partial Refund : If a participant withdraws after the registration deadline of 17 November, but before 15 January, they are eligible for a partial refund of 50% of the tuition.
- No Refund: No refunds will be issued in case of withdrawal after 15 January.
