The University shall devote its work to research into the pressing global problems of human survival, development and welfare that are the concern of the United Nations and its agencies.
People — topics on improving lives of people everywhere
Planet — topics on preserving and improving our environment and natural resources
Prosperity — topics on building a sustainable and fulfilling future
Peace and partnerships — topics on fostering peaceful, just, and inclusive societies
UNU Council Member
Prof. Brenda Yeoh
Professor Brenda S.A. Yeoh is a Singaporean scholar and expert in the fields of migration, social geography, and the politics of space in colonial and post-colonial cities.
Expert
Bavo Stevens
Bavo Stevens was a Junior Research Fellow at the UNU Institute on Globalization, Culture and Mobility (UNU-GCM).
Blog Post
Social Protection Rights in the Age of Algorithmic Decision-Making
Can social protection be automated without eroding rights? The answer depends less on the algorithm than on the policy logic governing it.
Conversation Series
Trajectories of Change in the Japanese Economy
On 3 September 2026, UNU will host a conversation with Professor D. Hugh Whittaker, Professor in the Economy and Business of Japan at the Nissan Institute of Japanese Studies.
Article
The AI Rules Are Being Rewritten By The Players Themselves
Training AI to align with human preferences is not enough if the incentives around it reward the wrong behavior.
ITU Academy Training Centre
The use of AI to inform policy
This course provides an introduction to the use of AI for policy.
Person
Article
From Disaster Response to Anticipation: Act Before the Storm Hits
ASEAN can act now to refocus the next decade on innovative disaster preparedness, management and response.
Expert
Thomas Manders
Thomas Manders is a research intern at UNU-CRIS.
Expert
David Biggs
David Biggs is a Visiting Research Fellow at UNU-CRIS.