United Nations University - CRIS

Our biggest challenges cannot be solved alone. Here at UNU-CRIS, we produce interdisciplinary research on policy challenges that require cross-border and multi-level governance and cooperation. What drives us is how we can better work together across borders and disciplines to produce solutions in policy areas such as migration, digital, climate, health, economics, and trade, as well as the study of how supranational, national, and subnational governments and organisations can improve. Learn more about us, our research and training opportunities, and how you can get involved by visiting our website. Think your network would be interested too? Like and share this post, and you might just open up new opportunities.

🌍School of Modern Diplomacy | Session 6: Diplomatic Skills In diplomacy, language is more than words—it constitutes a bridge or a barrier. Navigating global dialogue requires a balance of cultural awareness, respect, and adaptability. Insights from Biljana SCOTT, Senior Lecturer at DiploFoundation, University of Oxford: - Code-Switching & Cultural Sensitivity: Diplomats adapt to cultural norms, from gesture-rich languages to more reserved styles, easing potential miscommunication. - Language as Action: Understanding “performative” phrases (like “hereby declare”) and implicit codes across cultures clarifies intent, bridging apology and justification. - Indirect Communication: Misunderstandings often arise when direct and indirect communicators meet; “softeners” (like “more or less”) help keep conversations respectful and inclusive. - Humor in Diplomacy: Humor builds connections but is high-risk cross-culturally. Start with patience and trust before integrating humor effectively. - Value-Based Language: When negotiation stalls, shared values can inspire collaboration, focusing on ideals that unite. Mona Ali Khalil, International MAK LAW International Former Senior Legal Officer of the UN Office of the Legal Counsel (UNOLC), on Negotiation Best Practices: - UN Guiding Principles: Sovereign equality, legal obligations, and peace are foundational for productive dialogue. - Preparation & Precedents: Knowing each party’s negotiation style and past agreements aids smoother outcomes. - Sustainable Agreements: Lasting, enforceable agreements hold true value in diplomacy. - Civil Society’s Role: Civil society brings accountability and strengthens rights across negotiations. The session concluded with a UN Security Council case study debate, underscoring the nuanced challenges of balancing political interests in international diplomacy. 🌐Hosted by United Nations University - CRIS, Diplomatische Akademie Wien, Ghana’s Foreign Services Institute, in collaboration with Ghent University & Brussels School of Governance (BSoG). #Diplomacy #CulturalAwareness #GlobalCommunication #CrossCulturalSkills #PublicDiplomacy #MultilateralNegotiations

📢 New Policy Brief: Ecosystem-Based Approaches for Integrating Disaster Risk Reduction, Climate, Land, and Biodiversity Goals A new policy brief, the result of collaboration between United Nations University - CRIS, United Nations University - Institute for Environment and Human Security (UNU-EHS), and PEDRR Secretariat, explores how nature-based solutions are pivotal to unifying the Rio Conventions (CBD, UNCCD, and UNFCCC) and the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction. Core Recommendations: -Leverage Ecosystem-Based Solutions: A powerful pathway to simultaneously address DRR, climate resilience, and biodiversity goals. -Cross-Sectoral Collaboration & Data-Driven Policy: Enhance policy impact by fostering scientific collaboration and integrated spatial planning. -Innovative Financing Models: Utilize biodiversity credits, ecosystem service payments, and private sector partnerships to support resilient infrastructure. This brief serves as a guide for stakeholders in policy, environmental science, and finance to jointly strengthen climate and biodiversity resilience. Read more about this collaborative effort to advance ecosystem resilience and sustainability here: https://lnkd.in/dUFvH5cW #PolicyBrief #PEDRR #NatureBasedSolutions #DisasterRiskReduction #Biodiversity #ClimateAction #SustainableDevelopment

At the Summit of the Future last month, United Nations Member States united to adopt the visionary #PactForTheFuture — a commitment to align global efforts with the realities and challenges of tomorrow. The Pact calls for this generation to become agents of positive change and transformation, equipped with the knowledge and skills the world will need in the years ahead. On today’s #UNDay, the United Nations University, together with other UN research and training institutes, is proud to commit to supporting this vision by delivering specialized learning and training and research that informs decision-making for the entire UN system and beyond. Learn more: https://lnkd.in/dew-4zfr #OurCommonFuture

REGISTER BY 15:00 JST TOMORROW! Join us for a conversation with Derrick Swartz, Science, Technology & Innovation Advisor to Nelson Mandela University. Hosted by UNU Rector Tshilidzi Marwala, the conversation will explore the role of science, technology and innovation in fostering global cooperation. 🗓️ 25 October 2024, 18:30–19:30 JST 📍 UNU Headquarters, Tokyo 🌐 English Learn more and register ▶️ https://buff.ly/3BMZ5P7 #UNUConversationSeries

🌍 School of Modern Diplomacy Session 5: Climate Diplomacy This session delved into the intersection between energy security and climate diplomacy in restructuring global geopolitics. As nations shift from fossil fuels to renewables, the weaponization of energy is reshaping foreign policy. Key Insights: 1️⃣ The Changing Face of Energy Statecraft Associate Professor of International Politics from Ghent University Thijs Van de Graaf, highlighted that energy is increasingly being used as a strategic tool in foreign policy. With renewables being now the cheapest source of electricity in many regions, the current energy transition is unprecedented in scope and impact. Europe’s pivot away from Russian gas and oil is a clear example, with gas demand in the EU declining significantly, driven by cleaner energy options and changes in industrial production. But this shift also highlights new challenges, including potential carbon lock-ins and the fragility of energy-intensive sectors. 2️⃣ Multidimensional Aspects of Water Security Senior Research Fellow Nidhi Nagabhatla from UNU-CRIS, emphasized the critical role of water diplomacy. With only 24 out of 153 countries effectively managing shared water systems, hydrodiplomacy is more important than ever. Aligning water security with climate action—especially in regions affected by transboundary water disputes—will be essential for global stability. The future of climate diplomacy demands not only new agreements but also operational efficiency, real-time data sharing, and innovative approaches to both energy and water governance. 🌐 Programme by UNU-CRIS, Vienna School of International Studies, Ghana’s Foreign Services Institute, supported by @ghent_university & @brussels.school. Learn more about the nature of the programme and the upcoming sessions here: https://cris.unu.edu/smd24 #ClimateDiplomacy #CulturalDiplomacy #EnergyTransition #Hydrodiplomacy #Sustainability #GlobalCooperation #DiplomacyTraining

Vanochtend ontving ik samen met Johan Hanssens, secretaris-generaal van het Departement Economie, Wetenschap en Innovatie (EWI), Sabine Becker, Executive Officer van de United Nations University (UNU), en Philippe De Lombaerde, directeur van UNU-CRIS (UNU Institute on Comparative Regional Integration Studies), samen met een vertegenwoordiger van de UGent (Ghent University) en de Vrije Universiteit Brussel. We bespraken de samenwerking van de Vlaamse overheid met UNU-CRIS. UNU heeft namelijk een nieuw strategisch plan voor 2025-2029 opgesteld, dat kansen biedt om hier ook vanuit Vlaanderen en vanuit UNU-CRIS, gevestigd in Brugge, maximaal op in te spelen. In 2025 bestaat UNU bovendien 50 jaar en UNU-CRIS 25 jaar. Ook dit biedt een opportuniteit om activiteiten op te zetten om de werking van UNU in Vlaanderen onder de aandacht te brengen.  

Productive United Nations University - CRIS Advisory Committee meeting in Stad Brugge last Thursday and Friday! With Tshilidzi Marwala チリツィ マルワラ [丸笑] Fukunari Kimura Adebayo Olukoshi Freddy Evens Flanders Chancellery and Foreign Office Florian Trauner Carl Devos Dr. Sabine Becker-Thierry Monica Serrano Philippe De Lombaerde

Wrapping up the week by meeting two truly inspiring people in Bruges. 🌍🤝 Last night, I attended a thought-provoking event at the College of Europe, featuring EU Special Representative for the Middle East Peace Process, Sven Koopmans. He eloquently reminded us that, as Martin Luther King Jr. once said, "True peace is not merely the absence of tension; it is the presence of justice." This powerful quote resonates deeply in our pursuit of sustainable solutions. 🌍 Today, had the privilege of enjoying lunch in the company of Tshilidzi Marwala, Under-Secretary-General of the United Nations and Rector of the United Nations University at the United Nations University - CRIS premises. His insights on inclusion and resource access resonated deeply, highlighting how universities can be pivotal in tackling today’s complex challenges— from conflict to climate change. #Leadership #Inclusion #Education #Sustainability #UNU-CRIS United Nations University - CRIS #ClimateChange #MiddleEastPeace #Diplomacy #Justice #CollegeofEurope Stad Brugge

#EUIA25 LAST CHANCE: Contribute to one of the premier conferences on the #EU and #internationalstudies and submit your paper or panel proposal.    📝 Theme: Europe in a Fragmenting World  ⏰ Deadline: 25 October, 23h59 CET (NOTE: there will be no deadline extension)  🌐 More info: https://lnkd.in/efUSQju5