A UNU Hub is a formal collaboration through which an academic institution collaborates with the United Nations University (UNU) to bridge the gap between academia and the UN system. UNU Hubs offer partner universities a platform for advancing policy-relevant solutions to global challenges and UN priorities through research, capacity-building and outreach.
The UNU network of 13 specialized research institutes offers a unique, collaborative structure ideal for partnering with academic institutions worldwide. This decentralized, interdisciplinary framework fosters innovative solutions to global challenges, leveraging diverse expertise across sustainability, development and policy issues.
UNU Hubs provide:
Access to the United Nations system — UNU Hubs make the UN system more accessible to university researchers and students, connecting academic research with global decision-making and opening doors to career pathways in international development and policy.
Cutting-edge, policy-relevant research — Partners engage in research aimed at addressing the world’s most pressing sustainability challenges, such as climate change, technology for sustainable development, and social resilience.
Training for the next generation of leaders — With a focus on preparing global change-makers, UNU Hubs offer training, capacity-building and internships that equip students with skills for working in UN agencies and intergovernmental and non-profit organizations.
Established UNU Hubs
Each UNU Hub partners with one or more UNU institutes specializing in an area of mutual interest.
UNU Centre
- The International Council on Environmental Economics and Development and SOAS University of London, United Kingdom — The UNU Hub on Artificial Intelligence for Climate, Governance and Culture
UNU-CRIS
- Singapore Management University, Singapore — The UNU Hub on Green and Digital Regionalism
UNU-EHS
The International Centre for Integrated Mountain Development and EURAC Research, Nepal — The UNU Hub on Evidence-based Adaptation and Knowledge for Resilient Himalayan Uplands and Basins
UNU-INWEH
- City College of New York, United States of America — The UNU Hub on Remote-Sensing and Sustainable Innovations for Resilient Urban Systems
- Hamburg University of Technology, Germany — The UNU Hub on Engineering to Face Climate Change
- Lund University, Sweden — The UNU Hub on Water in a Changing Environment
- The University of Calgary, Canada — The UNU Hub on Empowering Communities to Adapt to Environmental Change
- The University of Pretoria, South Africa — The UNU Hub on Resilient Environment, Agriculture, Climate and Health for Africa
UNU Macau
- Lingnan University, China — The UNU Hub on Humanitarian Innovation and Technology
- East China Normal University, China — The UNU Hub on AI Finance
- Tsinghua University, China — The UNU Hub on Promoting Ethical and Responsible Artificial Intelligence Development
UNU Resource Nexus
- Dresden University of Technology, Germany — The UNU Hub on Climate Resilience and Sustainable Technologies
- The Learning Planet Institute, France — The UNU Hub on the Future of Learning with Youth
- Pontifical Catholic University of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil — The UNU Hub on Sustainability and Urban Resilience in Engineering
Multi-institute Hubs
- The University of Warwick, United Kingdom — UNU Hub on Conflict Resolution, Sustainable Reconstruction and International Development
