Diversity & Inclusion

At United Nations University (UNU), we are deeply committed to fostering an environment where dignity and equality are paramount for all individuals. We embrace and celebrate diverse identities, perspectives, and experiences, ensuring our community reflects a broad spectrum of backgrounds. Our commitment extends to all aspects of identity, including but not limited to, sex, gender, marital status, pregnancy, race, color, ethnicity, national origin, age, disability, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, and veteran status.

UNU’s dedication to diversity, equity, and inclusion is guided by our strategic framework, which is continually evolving to enhance our efforts and address areas needing improvement. Our current roadmap, Realizing Our Promise: The UNU Roadmap on Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion, outlines our goals and initiatives aimed at reinforcing our DEI commitments. We focus on both celebrating our successes and addressing challenges, working towards a more inclusive and equitable institution.

Statement of Principles on Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion

At UNU, we strive to be a model of a pluralistic society, where all members of our community feel acknowledged, embraced, and engaged. We are dedicated to:

  • Building Inclusive Environments: Creating spaces—both intellectual and physical—where everyone feels a strong sense of belonging.
  • Sharing Benefits and Burdens Equitably: Ensuring that efforts to dismantle systemic barriers are shared fairly across our community.
  • Commitment to Dignity and Worth: Upholding the principle that every person has equal value and deserves respect.

We acknowledge the historical injustices that have affected our society and institution. Discrimination based on race, ethnicity, sex, gender identity, religion, disability, and other factors has caused significant harm and continues to impact our community. At UNU, we are dedicated to confronting these issues and working towards justice. Our mission is to address and rectify past and present injustices, ensuring a more equitable future for all

We hold ourselves accountable to our DEI goals through transparent practices and open communication. Regular assessments help us gauge our progress and identify areas needing further attention. We are committed to continuous improvement and welcome feedback from our community to strengthen our efforts.

Join us in our commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion. Whether you’re a student, faculty member, or partner, there are many ways to contribute to creating a more inclusive environment at UNU.

Together, we can build a university community where every individual feels valued and empowered.