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).
Article
Why Cities Matter More Than Ever – Reflections on the Mid-Term Review of the New Urban Agenda
Cities shape our future. How can we make them more sustainable, resilient and inclusive?
Person
Nathan Webb
Nathan (Nate) Webb is a doctoral researcher and international development practitioner in the Dual Career PhD programme on Innovation, Economics, Governance and Sustainable Development (IEGSD) at UNU-MERIT and Maastricht University.
Research Fellow
Mehmet Can Altın
Mehmet Can Altın is a Dual Career PhD fellow at UNU-MERIT and a researcher at the Economic Policy Research Foundation of Turkey (TEPAV) in Ankara.
Conversation Series
Beyond GDP: Creating Quality Growth and Opportunities for Youth in Developing Economies
On 13 August 2026, UNU will host a conversation with Professor Bambang Brodjonegoro, Dean and CEO of the Asian Development Bank Institute, and Professor Aya Suzuki, Senior Vice-Rector of UNU.
Research Fellow
Lorena Quiroga Torrelio
Lorena Quiroga Torrelio is a Bolivian economist specializing in development economics whose research focuses on multidimensional poverty, educational inequality, and labour economics. She is interested in understanding how early-life disadvantages combined with behavioural decision-making shapes inequality, human capital development, and labour-market outcomes in Latin America.
Blog Post
Building an Inclusive AI Entrepreneurship Ecosystem in the Indo-Pacific
AI Entrepreneurship, democratized AI tools and inclusive education can help turn regional diversity into shared digital capacity.
Press Release
MEDIA ADVISORY: Noto Peninsula Reconstruction Support — Discover the Secrets of Noto's Nature with Sakana-kun and Dr. Yoro
Journalists are invited to an event on the resilient nature and wildlife of the Noto Peninsula in Japan after the 2024 disasters.
Announcement
Open Call: 2027 RCE Applications
Applications for organizations interested in becoming an RCE are open until 1 December 2026.