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
Project
Academic Excellence
The Academic Excellence initiative at UNU-WIDER supports researchers from developing countries to promote their work and ideas to a global network of academics and policy makers.
Project
UNU Global Seminar Japan — Shonan Session
The UNU Global Seminars brings together experts from academia and policymaking in Japan and abroad to share perspectives on global concerns.
Project
UNU Series on Regionalism (World Reports on Regional Integration)
UNU's Series on Regionalism offers a platform for innovative work on regionalism from a global and inter-disciplinary perspective.
Project
Operating Unit Ishikawa / Kanazawa (OUIK)
OUIK carries out community-based research on biocultural diversity in Ishikawa looking towards providing a regional model for sustainable development.
Project
Regional Integration Knowledge System (RIKS)
RIKS was developed as a joint initiative to provide a central point of information exchange on regional integration processes worldwide.
Project
IPBES Assessments and Capacity Building
UNU-IAS has been leading the IPBES assessment process by organizing informal and formal international scientific expert workshops since 2011.
Project
Governance for Sustainable Development
This project studies how governments and institutions incorporate the SDGs into their policies, thereby contributing to the global agenda.
Project
Design and Evaluation of Innovation Policy in Developing Countries (DEIP)
The DEIP trains policymakers in LMICs and private-sector participants on strategic decision-making about technology and innovation.
Project
GIS Training for Improved Natural Resource Management in Africa
This project aims to build capacity for the deployment of geospatial applications in natural resource research, planning and management in Africa.
Project
International Satoyama Initiative
The ISI project works to promote the Satoyama Initiative, a global effort to realize societies in harmony with nature.