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.
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Back From the Brink: UN Preventive Diplomacy in West and Central Africa
The UN’s contribution to reducing the risk of conflict-related violence in The Gambia and Gabon.
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When Dictators Fall: Preventing Violent Conflict During Transitions From Authoritarian Rule
The contrasting ways countries transition out of authoritarian rule and how the UN can influence pathways away from violence.
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The G2 at the UN: The United States and the People's Republic of China at the United Nations
US and Chinese policy and diplomacy towards the UN – and each other – in New York.
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UN Sanctions and Mediation 2.0: Moving From Evidence To Impact
Building on SMP 1.0 to influence policy and practice and bridge the gap between the sanctions and mediation communities.
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Hybrid Conflict, Hybrid Peace: How Militias and Paramilitary Groups Shape Post-Conflict Transitions
The role of PGMs in conflict and post-conflict settings and how PGMs might help or hurt prospects for sustainable peacebuilding.
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Conflict Prevention in the Era of Climate Change: Adapting the UN to Climate-Security Risks
Supporting the UN and its partners to develop climate-sensitive conflict prevention approaches.
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Due Process in UN Targeted Sanctions
The potential to advance the UN Security Council's use of sanctions to achieve its strategic objectives.
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The United States' Current and Future Relationship With the United Nations
US policy towards the UN under the Trump administration and effective, multilateral approaches to the UN's engagement with the US.
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UN Transitions: Improving Security Council Practice in Mission Settings
The Security Council's historical evolution in overseeing UN transitions.
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Project: Conflict Prevention in the Sahel: Emerging Practice Across the UN
Supporting the UN’s understanding of the situation in the Sahel - and how it can better respond to current and emerging risks