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).
Media Coverage
UNU Research Impact Highlighted in 2027 University Rankings
UNU ranked first among universities in Japan for citations per paper and percentage of internationally co-authored papers.
News
COP31 Sessions Build Capacity for Climate Adaptation and Negotiations
UNU-IAS delivered two practical training sessions at the 2026 UN Climate Change Conference in Antalya, Türkiye
Person
Fatima Denton
Prof. Fatima Denton is Director of the United Nations University, Institute for Natural Resources in Africa (UNU-INRA) and Vice-Chair of IPCC Working Group II on Impacts, Adaptation, and Vulnerability. Her research sits at the intersection of political economy, climate resilience, and development justice, with a particular focus on how extractive systems, governance failures, and unequal resource distribution embed and reproduce fragility, especially across African contexts. She holds the Prince Claus Chair in Equity and Development at Utrecht University. Directly relevant to this section, her Fragility and Resilience in Green Development in Africa: Intersections and tradeoffs and the forthcoming Operationalising Earth System Justice: Addressing Power and Inequality examine how structural and political-economic forces shape vulnerability and constrain resilience pathways.
Media Coverage
Japanese High School Students Join UNU-IAS Delegation at COP31
An article in Hokkoku Shimbun discussed the students’ participation in the 2026 UN Climate Change Conference.
Event
Global Best Practices in the Inclusion of Women in Water and Climate Governance: Towards COP31
UNU-INWEH convenes a side event at COP31 (UNFCCC), Pavilion of the Republic of Kazakhstan, Antalya, Türkiye
Event
The Road from Antalya to Abu Dhabi: Global Water Bankruptcy and the New Water Agenda
UNU-INWEH co-convenes a high-level panel with the Ministry of Water Resources and Irrigation of the Republic of Kazakhstan and the OSCE at COP31 (UNFCCC), Pavilion of the Republic of Kazakhstan, Antalya, Türkiye
Seminar
Digital Governance in Central Asia: Achievements and Challenges
This webinar will discuss the challenges Central Asian countries face in investing in digital infrastructure, improving digital literacy, strengthening regional cooperation, and developing inclusive and secure digital policies.
Commentary
The Warning Has Come. Now Comes the Work.
Dr. Richard Munang's commentary on the projected El Niño events in Africa and some proactive measures to take ahead of this climate pattern.