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
Research Fellow
Carolina Donnelly
Carolina Donnelly is a PhD Fellow at UNU-MERIT, Maastricht University.
Research Fellow
Federico Sanz
Federico Sanz is a PhD Fellow with dual affiliations at UNU-MERIT and Universidad Nacional de San Martín (UNSAM).
Event
14th Americas RCE Regional Meeting
ONLINE: The meeting will highlight education for sustainable development initiatives in the Americas region.
Announcement
Professor Shizuka Hashimoto Appointed as Next Director of UNU‑IAS
Prof. Hashimoto will begin his term on 1 December 2026.
Media Coverage
UN University rector Tshilidzi Marwala: You can’t regulate AI without fully understanding it
In Geneva Solutions, UNU Rector Tshilidzi Marwala says lawmakers need AI literacy to regulate AI effectively.
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.