On 20 and 25 November 2025, UNU Paris Office convened in-person stakeholder outreach strategic workshops to gather insights on its positioning, thematic priorities, and partnership opportunities. These exchanges provided valuable perspectives that helped shape the Paris Office’s emerging positioning and work programme for the coming period.
The two positioning workshops brought together a diverse range of stakeholders—including representatives from international organisations and multilateral actors, academic and higher education networks, as well as private‑sector and innovation partners. This broad participation created a dynamic collaborative space for open brainstorming and collective reflection, enabling the Paris Office to deepen its understanding of stakeholder expectations, articulate its institutional identity, and explore the key thematic areas where it can generate meaningful impact.
UNU Paris Office produced a consolidated Workshop Outcomes Report outlining the principal takeaways and giving participants a concise, forward‑looking overview of strategic directions, priority workstreams, and next steps.
Discussions revealed strong alignment around ocean governance and science diplomacy as flagship themes. Participants emphasised the urgency of restoring trust in science, defending evidence-based policymaking, and leveraging Paris’ unique diplomatic ecosystem to advance global governance.
Prof. Tshilidzi Marwala, Rector of the United Nations University and Under-Secretary-General of the United Nations, opened the workshops, underscoring the role of the Paris Office and the possibility of collaboration:
Considering the challenging times we are living in, I see an opportune moment for us to discuss how we can join forces and, collectively, address some of the most pressing global issues.
Next Steps
Keep an eye on our webpage for updates as we expand our portfolio, deepen partnerships, and launch pilot initiatives that bridge science, policy, and global collaboration.
About UNU Paris Office
The United Nations University Paris Office serves as a strategic liaison and convening platform of UNU in the heart of Europe’s diplomatic and intellectual ecosystem. The Office strengthens UNU’s relationships with key stakeholders in France and connects global research to policy and practice through focused dialogues, partnerships, and pilot initiatives.
