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.
Purpose
The UNU Paris Office is a node for:
- Representing and amplifying the UNU system’s expertise in Paris and beyond
- Convening multi-stakeholders—from governments and multilateral organizations to academia, civil society, and the private sector
- Translating scientific knowledge into policy-relevant dialogue and pilot initiatives
- Coordinating with UNU Institutes to maximize impact through collaboration and coherence
Focus areas
The UNU Paris Office aligns its work around interlinked priorities:
Science-Policy interface & learning systems
We explore how emerging technologies — especially AI — affect public trust, academic freedom and systems of knowledge. We host strategic dialogues and support open science and digital learning to shape resilient, inclusive learning ecosystems.
Climate diplomacy & ocean sustainability
Focusing on the ocean-climate nexus, we connect researchers, policymakers and civil society to drive evidence-based policy, capacity-building and public engagement on marine and climate issues.
Cross-cutting dimensions
- Future of global governance and multilateralism — Supporting reform efforts and inclusive multilateral responses
- Global South partnerships — Embedding equitable collaboration across all initiatives
- Academic freedom and post-truth resilience — Upholding integrity and trust in knowledge systems
Approach
We operate as a connector, convener, and catalyst:
Co-created and co-branded — We launch joint initiatives with UNU Institutes and external partners, sharing ownership and impact.
Lean and outcome-focused — We pilot short-cycle projects (6–12 months) guided by clear goals, metrics (e.g., literacy, trust, uptake), and scalability.
Evidence-led — We emphasize integrity, balance and practical insights over promotional content.
Early initiatives
Examples of work in progress include:
Stakeholder Outreach Strategic Workshops — In November 2025, the UNU Paris Office convened two strategic dialogue workshops to gather insights on its positioning, thematic priorities, and partnership opportunities.
Ocean-Climate — The UNU Paris Office is directly supporting the prefiguration of a UNU Ocean Institute, following the adoption of a dedicated resolution by the French Parliament calling for the establishment of an international ocean institute under the auspices of the United Nations University. Building on this political momentum, the Paris Office is contributing to the structuring of an initial multi-site and partnership-based platform. Current work focuses on clarifying the scientific and diplomatic scope of the initiative, mapping potential academic and institutional partners, and exploring diversified funding pathways combining public, philanthropic, and project-based resources. In this context, the Paris Office plays a facilitation and coordination role, supporting early dialogue, coherence across sites, and alignment with UNU’s broader mandate on science, policy, and global public goods.
Partnership & collaboration
We work closely with UNU Institutes, higher education networks, multilateral partners, foundations and innovation ecosystems. By coordinating with existing actors, we ensure our efforts are synergistic — filling gaps, not duplicating efforts.
Governance & support
The Paris Office is part of UNU Centre and operates under the authority of the UNU Rector as a liaison-plus model—maintaining a standing presence to coordinate partnerships, while channelling resources into thematic dialogues and co-created pilots alongside aligned UNU Institutes.
Next steps
Keep an eye on this space for updates as we expand our portfolio, deepen partnerships and unveil pilot initiatives that bridge science, policy and global collaboration.
Contact
TBD