About UNU
The United Nations University (UNU) is a global think tank and postgraduate teaching organisation headquartered in Japan. The mission of the UN University is to contribute, through collaborative research and education, to efforts to resolve the pressing global problems of human survival, development and welfare that are the concern of the United Nations, its Peoples and Member States.Activities by UNU
Disinformation and Peacebuilding in Sub-Saharan Africa: Security Implications of AI-Altered Environments
Africa Democratic Republic of the CongoKenyaCu00f4tu00e9 du2019IvoireThis research project examines the effects of new AI technologies, namely generative AI, on peacebuilding and conflict in Sub-Saharan Africa. This report aims to further explore the way in which AI technologies as they currently stand impact peace and conflict, and what methods might be used to mitigate their adverse effects - through the development of better tools and the inclusion of peace and conflict considerations in AI governance frameworks.
Activity Type Research/Reports/AssessmentsBuilding Citizen Science Intelligence for Pandemic Preparedness and Response: Needs Assessment and Pilot Implementation
Africa, Asia and the Pacific, Latin America and the Caribbean Viet NamKenyaBrazilThis project involving participatory modelling and Artificial Intelligence based simulation, funded by I-DAIR, the International Digital Health and AI Research Collaborative, is based on the premise that, to contain the pandemic through accurate, real-time and data-driven measures, it is urgent to establish collective intelligence capabilities that involve all stakeholders. UNU Macau is currently involved in a pilot study focusing on Vietnam, Kenya and Brazil and aimed at addressing how to effectively manage patients and resources available in a hospital and its surrounding communities.
Activity Type AI Tools/SolutionsResearch/Reports/AssessmentsTechnical AssistanceGendered implications of Artificial Intelligence on the implementation of the Women, Peace and Security agenda in Southeast Asia
Africa, Asia and the Pacific Democratic Republic of the CongoKenyaThis research examined the opportunities and risks of AI from a WPS lens in Southeast Asia, with a focus on four types of gender biases in AI which will need to be addressed before the region can fully benefit from new technological developments; discrimination, stereotyping, exclusion, and insecurity. The research included interviews with relevant stakeholders to understand the relationship between AI and WPS as well as a social media analysis of women civil society organisations in the region. These findings were used to inform an e-learning module on AI and the WPS agenda for women civil society in Southeast Asia and two critical recommendations are made; mitigating the risks of AI systems to advancing the WPS agenda and fostering the development of AI tools built explicitly to support gender-responsive peace in line with WPS commitments.
Activity Type Trainings/WorkshopsResearch/Reports/AssessmentsPolicy/Regulatory GuidanceClimate Action, Justice, and Responsible e-GOV & Technology (Just-CARE)
Global BrazilGhanaIndonesiaKenyaTimor-LesteVanuatuThis project aims to deepen our understanding of the relationship between climate justice and advanced digital technologies (e.g. artificial intelligence, Big Data, digital infrastructure, and emergent technologies) and their differentiated impacts on systematically marginalized communities through an intersectional, relationship-centred, and rights-based approach.
Activity Type Research/Reports/AssessmentsPolicy/Regulatory GuidanceAwareness/Advocacy