Research highlights

Blog Post
Pivoting development for a new era
News
Building the institutions of the future
New partnership with Northeastern University explores global governance innovations for a more resilient and effective multilateral system.
Blog Post
Capacity-building: a solution to the "credit rating impasse"
UN efforts to help Global South countries navigate the credit rating system could reduce debt burdens and promote development.
Recent publications
Brief
The documentation divide
Understanding pathways to modern slavery among undocumented populations in Brazil
Brief
Bridging the identity gap
Policy recommendations for improving documentation and reducing modern slavery risks in Nepal
Report
Revisiting the sovereign debt architecture: The Common Framework and considerations for a swift debt relief mechanism
Recommendations to improve the sovereign debt architecture ahead of upcoming multilateral processes.
Report
Towards a global governance framework: climate-driven migration
Examining research on the driving factors, patterns and consequences of climate-driven migration.
Report
Rating the globe: reforming credit rating agencies for an equitable financial architecture
The growing need for reform to address challenges and improve the fairness of credit ratings.
Report
Peacekeeping responses to transnational organized crime and trafficking: a case study of MINUSMA
Exploring challenges undermining efforts to counter transnational organized crime in Mali.
Report
Assembly for Peace: a digital handbook on the UN General Assembly’s past practice on peace and security
A user-friendly handbook on the General Assembly's Charter-based powers and past practice on peace and security.
Selected projects
Project
Global Governance Innovation Platform
Exploring innovative governance structures and decision-making mechanisms for solutions to today’s complex global challenges.
Project
2025 PBF Thematic Review on Youth, Peace and Security
Examining how the Peacebuilding Fund has contributed to realizing the "YPS" agenda over the past five years.
Project
Modern slavery risks among people lacking official documentation
This project examines modern slavery risks among people lacking documentation globally, including in Brazil, Kenya, and Nepal.
Project
Countering transnational organized crime in conflict-affected states
Exploring past multilateral efforts to counter transnational organized crime in conflict-affected states and fragile states, and identifying more coherent and effective responses.
Anticipatory action and innovation
Expert insights
Blog Post
Revisiting the Peacebuilding Commission's "bridging" and advisory role
Why the Peacebuilding Architecture Review should focus on redefining the Commission's engagement with the General Assembly and other UN bodies.
Blog Post
Artificial intelligence and deliberation: an argument with machines
How is AI shaping the deliberation process and what can be done to ensure this technology supports rather than undermines human judgement?
Blog Post
Local perspectives should shape multilateral responses to transnational organized crime
How multilateral responses to transnational criminal networks can be adapted to the realities of local communities for enhanced impact.
Blog Post
Countering transnational crime to secure peace
Transnational criminal networks pose a growing threat to peace and security. What measures can UN peace operations adopt in response?
Equitable development
News and events
Workshop
Global governance innovation alliance workshop
Collecting the insights of global alliances to inform the design of new multilateral mechanisms and address a range of challenges.
Symposium
A survey of designs for a new global sovereign debt mechanism
Strengthening the global debt architecture: design options for a more predictable, equitable and reliable system
Side Event
Credit ratings and sustainable development investment
Identifying practical pathways to reform the credit rating ecosystem.
News
Building the institutions of the future
New partnership with Northeastern University explores global governance innovations for a more resilient and effective multilateral system.