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
BIG IDEAS Series
The World Drought Atlas: Understanding and Managing Systemic Drought Risks
ONLINE: On 24 June 2025, UNU will host a BIG IDEAS Dialogue with Davide Cotti and Edward Sparkes, Senior Research Associates at UNU-EHS.
Article
AI as a Necessity in African Research Management
For Africa, embracing AI is essential to navigating complexity, expanding impact and advancing knowledge.
News
Teaching and Exploring Partnerships at Korea's Leading Tech University
Demetrios Sarantis visited KAIST in Daejeon to lecture on local e-government and explore research collaboration opportunities.
Multimedia
Video: INFoCAT Field Trip: Experts coach shortlisted Agritech Innovators.
Agricultural and Renewable energy experts help shortlisted agritech innovators, finetune their agritech machinery to best serve smallholders.
Article
What is the UN Oceans Conference and How Does it Help Achieve SDG14?
The UN Oceans Conference will convene from 9–13 June in Nice, France. Learn about what it is and how it aims to protect our oceans.
Article
5 Facts on Marine Heatwaves
Heatwaves exist not only on land, but also in oceans.
Workshop
Fostering Partnerships between DC and New York for Development Financing and Multilateralism
Advancing debt sustainability and multilateral cooperation ahead of FfD4.
Blog Post
The role of AI Agents in humanitarian action: balancing ethics and innovation
The humanitarian sector must proactively examine how AI agents could transform – or harm – efforts to assist vulnerable populations.
Degree Defense
PhD Defence: Essays on Economic Complexity, International Trade and Minerals Economics
Jorge Valverde-Carbonell
Degree Defense
PhD Defence: The Challenges of South America’s Lithium Triangle: Industrial Policies for an Emerging Global Value Chain
Mauricio Cespedes Quironga, UNU-MERIT