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
Collection
THE DROUGHT-MIGRATION- CONFLICT NEXUS Was the Syrian Civil War Really Caused by Climate Change?
Investigating how climate stress, agriculture, and governance shaped Syria’s crisis beyond a single drought event.
News
Bringing Analytical Chemistry to the Field
Fellow Joana Macagno's commitment to practical innovation is finding a way to precision agriculture, and highlights the advantages of collaboration.
Expert
Richard Kima
Richard Kima is a UNU-WIDER Research Fellow. He is currently working on the Southern Africa – Towards Inclusive Economic Development (SA-TIED) programme in Pretoria, South Africa. He is primarily involved in research and capacity development activities across various workstreams of the programme.
Article
Perplexing and Troubling: The Neglect of Tax Policy in Global Public Health Discourse
New piece highlights how global health literature overlooks the broader role of tax policy for health outcomes.
Media Coverage
Liliana Narvaez interviewed by Plataforma OSICO Platform on inclusive urban transformation and community-led approaches
UNU-EHS expert Liliana Narvaez, sat down for an interview to discuss ways to make communities more sustainable and ecological.
Lecture
The Road to Freedom: Economics and the Good Society
On 15 January 2026, UNU and the International Peace Foundation will co-host a public lecture by Professor Joseph E. Stiglitz, Nobel Laureate in Economic Sciences.
News
Webinar Explores the Role of AI in Research and Publishing
Experts highlighted how AI can support university research aimed at solving global sustainability challenges.
Announcement
2025 Season’s Greetings from UNU-IAS
A message from our Director marking the end of the year.
Media Coverage
Ending the Exclusion Begins with Inclusive Education
An op-ed in Japan Today calls for inclusive education from early life to enable persons with disabilities to fully participate in society.
Expert
Brett Manzer
Brett Manzer was a PhD Fellow at UNU-CRIS