UNU-MERIT Internal Conference 2026

UNU-MERIT’s Internal Conference is an annual event where researchers and fellows share work, exchange feedback, and strengthen collaboration.

Amid rising tensions, ‘friendshoring’ might keep global trade alive

How US-China decoupling is reshaping global value chains and creating new opportunities for developing economies.

Fitch’s Recent Revision Signals a Notable Shift in Sovereign Debt Governance

A technical change in Fitch’s ratings criteria could ease one of the biggest barriers to temporary debt relief for crisis-hit economies.

Hidden Debts, Missing Assets: What the Spring Meetings Forgot

Debt transparency is advancing. But, until the world measures hidden assets too, the financial system will keep solving for the wrong equation.

Sonali Abeysinghe

Sonali’s research focuses on sustainability assessment in the built environment sector, with particular emphasis on life cycle analysis (LCA), climate-neutral and resource-efficient construction, circular economy strategies, and the Resource Nexus approach.

Long-Term Quantitative Evaluation of River Water Quality in Tokyo (1966–2023) Based on the NSFWQI

Migration Seminar Series: Beyond attracting talent: what makes skilled migrants stay?

Dr. Julia Reinold on skilled migrant retention, onward migration, and the factors shaping long-term settlement.

What is Non-Economic Loss and Damage and Why does it Matter?

Explaining non‑economic loss and damage: how climate change affects lives, identity, culture and belonging in ways numbers can’t capture.

The Role of Universities in International Cooperation Based on Multilateralism

On 20 May 2026, UNU will co-organize an event exploring the role of universities in advancing multilateral international cooperation.

Rational Opacity: Governing Intelligence Beyond Understanding

The very qualities that make AI valuable in governance are the ones that make it difficult to govern