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).
Event
Science Talk: Legal Pathways to Promote Water Cooperation in the Amu Darya Basin
Understanding how existing legal frameworks can support Afghanistan’s integration into Amu Darya Basin governance and strengthen regional water cooperation
Policy Brief
Why Groundwater Use Location Matters in Transboundary Aquifers
Transboundary aquifers lie beneath nearly every international land border, but cooperation over them remains rare.
Seminar
Mangrove Ecosystems as Nature-Based Protection against the Early-Life Mortality Effects of Floods
Our UNU-MERIT Seminar Series is pleased to promote an upcoming research seminar featuring Enrico Nichelatti, Postdoctoral researcher at the Institute of Socio-Economic Inequality at the University of Luxembourg, LUX.
Event
Study Public Policy and Human Development | Online Master's Week 2026
Join our online session to learn about the MSc in Public Policy and Human Development and hear from the programme coordinator and a student ambassador.
Person
News
Shared Aquifers, Border Hotspots: Cooperation Should Follow Where Groundwater Is Pumped, UN Scientists Say
Groundwater depletion clusters near borders in shared aquifers, yet just 11% of countries sharing them formally cooperate and under 5% have a treaty.
Working Paper
Development Finance for Food and Nutrition Security: Delving Deeper into the Nexus
Exploring how development finance can be mobilised and better aligned to strengthen food and nutrition security through integrated policy approaches.
Policy Brief
Development Finance for Food and Nutrition Security: Re-examining the Nexus
Re-examining how development finance can better integrate food systems and nutrition to deliver sustainable, equitable food and nutrition security.