UNU research focuses on the challenges faced by the United Nations and its Member States. Our current research portfolio supports all of the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), which were adopted by the UN General Assembly in 2015 to inspire global action to overcome the world’s biggest challenges.
Project
The Evolution of Inclusion: Three Decades of Policies and Programmes To Manage Exits From Armed Groups in Colombia
A history of DDR policy and programming in Colombia and lessons learned that can be applied to other contexts.
Project
Vigilante Groups and Militias in Southern Nigeria
Analyzing the landscape of anti-crime militias and vigilante forces in Nigeria's South over the past 20 years.
Project
Protecting Together
Identifying challenges confronting human rights and military components in volatile settings.
Project
Earth Shattering: Financial Engagement at the Nexus of Modern Slavery and Natural Resources in Africa
Promoting synchronized action to tackle risks and abuses in cocoa production and gold mining value chains in Ghana.
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Beyond Opportunism: The UN Development System's Response to the Triple Planetary Crisis
Capturing best practices and the constraints experienced by Resident Coordinators in relation to the Triple Planetary Crisis.
Project
Volunteer Security Outfits in North East Nigeria
Presenting evidence on conflict transitions and related programming for policymakers and practitioners.
Project
Governing Uncertainty
Surveying major trends that will shape the future of global governance over the next 30 years.
Project
Peacebuilding and Authoritarianism: The Unintended Consequences of UN Engagement in Post-Conflict Settings
Developing a usable framework to ensure peacebuilding support is not distorted or co-opted.
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The Security Council and Conflict Prevention: Entry Points for Diplomatic Action
Exploring how the Security Council can design and implement preventive diplomatic strategies in response to emerging, escalating, and acute crises.
Project
UN Sanctions and Humanitarian Action: Review of Past Research and Proposals for Future Investigation
An overview of research conducted on the interplay of UN sanctions and humanitarian action and a roadmap for future research endeavours.