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
Bleak outlook for Africa’s development finance
Dr. Daniel Cash tells Newzroom Afrika how private credit rating agencies influence African governments’ access to development finance.
News
Bacterial Viruses Against Human Pathogens
Fellow Victoria Rodriguez is adding to our understanding of prospective industrial applications of phages
Conference
2026 Jobs and Development Conference
The Jobs and Development Conference 2026 brings together researchers, policymakers, and practitioners from around the world to discuss the latest insights on jobs, labour markets, and inclusive development.
News
New UNU-INRA report on Critical Minerals
Africa Redefining Critical Minerals For A Shared Future: South South Solidarity in Action
Article
From 3,375 Proverbs to 100 New Ones — When AI Learns African Wisdom
AI trained on African proverbs can support language preservation, education and the design of ethical AI.
Expert
Dr. Roshi Nateghi
Dr. Roshi (Roshanak) Nateghi’s research advances understanding of the sustainability and resilience of critical infrastructure under climate change.
Expert
Dr. Leila Hashemi-Beni
Dr. Leila Hashemi-Beni's work focuses on advancing geospatial and Earth observation technologies to support environmental management, evidence-based decision-making, climate adaptation, and sustainability.
Expert
Prof. Sera Lewise Young
Prof. Sera Lewise Young’s work focuses on understanding how women, especially in low-resource settings, cope to preserve their health and that of their families.