On 23 September 2026, the United Nations University (UNU) and the University of Bologna signed a framework cooperation agreement to establish a strategic partnership advancing artificial intelligence (AI) research, education and policy. The agreement will help align academic innovation with international governance through postgraduate programmes and capacity development.
At the core of the partnership is a commitment to joint activities including research and innovation; higher education, teaching and capacity development; and outreach, advocacy and impact, all with a view to advancing global knowledge, capacity, access and policy related to artificial intelligence.
To prepare the next generation of leaders, the institutions will explore the feasibility of an integrated master’s degree programme focused on the governance, policy and societal implications of AI and digital technologies.
Academic collaborations will also feature professional offerings in big data analysis, short courses, summer schools and e-learning platforms.
The new cooperation agreement will foster close collaboration with the UNU Institute for Artificial Intelligence (UNU-AI), which is soon to be launched within Bologna’s Technopole, a rapidly expanding research hub known for its state-of-the-art facilities and innovation ecosystem. UNU-AI will mark a significant milestone in leveraging big data and AI to enhance human welfare, strengthen peace and security, and protect the planet's natural habitat, bringing together expertise from the Global South and the Global North.
Commenting on the new agreement, UNU Rector Tshilidzi Marwala said: "Preparing future leaders for an artificial intelligence-driven era demands innovative education rooted in ethics, inclusion and interdisciplinary rigour. Our new cooperation agreement with the University of Bologna marks a decisive step forward, pioneering integrated graduate programmes and specialized capacity development at the intersection of big data, AI and policy. Together, we will equip students, researchers and policymakers worldwide with the critical skills required to navigate technological risks, champion responsible innovation and steer digital tools to support sustainable development."
