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
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
Organizations can apply until 1 December 2026 to become a Regional Centre of Expertise on Education for Sustainable Development.
Degree Defense
Person
Hong Li
Hong Li is a Research Fellow at the United Nations University Institute in Macau. Her work lies at the intersection of digital technology and platform ecology.
Person
Junji Jiang
Junji Jiang is a Research Fellow at the United Nations University Institute in Macau and a PhD candidate in International Relations at Fudan University. Her research focuses on global AI governance and the evolving roles of the United Nations and other international organizations in governing emerging technologies.
News
Reverse to Break Through
Dr. Pilar Moreno led an advanced training in reverse genetics for Latin American scientists to engineer RNA viruses for vaccines and cancer therapy.
Event
Science Talk: Epistemic Accountability in the Green Transition
How knowledge politics shapes violence against—and justice for—environmental defenders in critical-mineral conflicts