UNU Paris at ChangeNOW 2026: Collective Solutions for Global Challenges

Last week, UNU Paris participated in the 9th edition of the Climate Action Forum ChangeNOW, held in Paris over three days.

UNU Paris at ChangeNOW: A Global Platform for Action and Collaboration

The United Nations University (UNU) Paris team, led by Sabine Becker-Thierry, was invited to participate in the 9th edition of ChangeNOW 2026 (30 March - 1 April 2026).

The event offered a unique platform to engage with a diverse range of stakeholders across UNU’s core priorities: ocean governance, science diplomacy, innovation, and technology.

A strong focus was placed on the ocean. UNU Paris presented its Ocean & Coasts Programme, contributing to key discussions at a time when global ocean governance is evolving rapidly yet continues to face major implementation challenges. These exchanges confirmed the relevance of building stronger science-policy interfaces on ocean issues and further supported ongoing work toward a future UNU Ocean & Coasts Institute in France.

Download the leaflet to learn more about the initiative.

Key Partnerships in Innovation and Technology

ChangeNOW also enabled UNU Paris to deepen discussions with partners working on science, technology and innovation for sustainable development.

Discussions with major private partner of the industrial sector explored how advanced technological capabilities, scientific expertise and the UNU system could be better connected to support policy-relevant solutions to global challenges, particularly in the Global South. The exchanges also highlighted the potential of linking science, technology and practical solutions and its drive to support the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) through technological innovations.

ChangeNOW also addressed priorities like climate, energy, governance, and education through talks, workshops, and pitch sessions, which resonated strongly with UNU’s mission to connect research, policy, and collective action on global challenges.

Further Steps for UNU Paris

Over these three days, UNU Paris also identified several promising paths to strengthen and expand partnerships with ocean-focused actors, from foundations to private sector partners, while also deepening collaboration in science and innovation with the industry sector.

Together, these exchanges reinforced UNU Paris’ role as a convening platform at the interface of research, multilateralism and innovation, and opened up new possibilities for cross-sector collaboration.