United Nations Academic Impact

Happy International Volunteer Day! As we honor volunteers worldwide, we are also excited to celebrate the International Year of Volunteers for Sustainable Development (2026): a year dedicated to elevating volunteerism as a force for the Global Goals. At United Nations Academic Impact, we recognize the essential role of universities in generating evidence, supporting community engagement, and preparing the next generation of volunteer leaders. Learn more here: https://lnkd.in/e92NnZMf 

Join the presentation on the United Nations Young Professionals Programme!

Across regions, persons with disabilities still face higher poverty rates, discrimination in employment, and barriers to social protection and autonomy. Inclusive societies are not optional; they are essential for sustainable development. Today, we mark the International Day of Persons with Disabilities under the theme “Fostering disability-inclusive societies for advancing social progress.” Universities play a key role by advancing inclusive education, research on accessibility, disability-inclusive policy, and community engagement that helps transform systems.

International Labour Organization data shows that modern slavery affects 50 million people worldwide, with forced labour generating US$236 billion in illegal profits every year. Eradicating these abuses requires knowledge, research, and accountability. Universities play a key role by advancing data, policy analysis, human rights education, and survivor-centered approaches that drive systemic change. At United Nations Academic Impact, we are proud to use education as a tool to confront the legacy of slavery and promote human dignity worldwide through the Outreach Programme on the Transatlantic Slave Trade and Slavery: https://lnkd.in/dNPMuFWA  On the International Day for the Abolition of Slavery, we stand with all those working to end exploitation in every form. Learn more about it: https://lnkd.in/gq3dH_DW 

On #WorldAIDSDay2025, here are 5 actions that can help countries #EndAIDS as a public health threat. From sustainable financing to community-led responses, innovation, and global solidarity. Progress is possible when we act together. At United Nations Academic Impact, we recognize how higher education institutions advance this effort every day by leading breakthrough research, developing new technologies, training health professionals, and informing evidence-based policy.

The latest @United Nations update highlights 16 countries and territories facing rapidly escalating #foodinsecurity. Conflict, climate change, and economic instability continue to push millions closer to famine. As classrooms, research institutions, and innovation hubs, universities play a vital role in advancing solutions, from climate-resilient agriculture to data-driven early warning systems and community-based interventions. Watch the short video to learn more and help raise awareness: https://lnkd.in/dX2CGk4R 🌎  Higher education is essential to building more sustainable, resilient, and equitable food systems for all.

🎓  Advancing Food Security Through Innovation: A New Master’s Programme for Africa A powerful new partnership between Africa University, UNU-INWEH, and the @FAO eLearning Academy has launched the Master of Science in Food Security and Sustainable Agrifood Systems — an academic programme designed to equip future leaders with the skills to transform agrifood systems across the continent. The programme embeds FAO’s multilingual, certified e-learning courses with digital badges as a mandatory part of the academic curriculum and aligns with Africa’s Agenda 2063, the #GlobalGoals and FAO’s Four Betters. By combining academic excellence, digital innovation, and a shared commitment to sustainable development, this collaboration strengthens Africa’s capacity to build resilient, inclusive, and future-ready agrifood systems. A milestone in higher education and global partnership — and a major step toward a food-secure future. https://lnkd.in/dzMGe4HC 

 Advancing Gender Equality through Dialogue and Action. Christ University, Bangalore, India, United Nations Academic Impact SDG 5 Hub Chair, hosted “Voices of Equality,” bringing together students, faculty, social activists, government officials, UN representatives, corporate leaders, and civil society partners for a full day of shared learning and collaboration. The event showcased how partnerships across sectors can drive meaningful, sustained change to achieve gender equality. Read more about it here: https://lnkd.in/gaGxZ_eq

There is #NoExcuse for online abuse. Online spaces should empower women and girls. Yet for millions, the digital world has become a place of harassment, manipulation, and fear. What begins with a comment or message can escalate into threats in the real world. Private images are stolen and shared without consent. Gendered disinformation spreads instantly. Locations are tracked. And AI is weaponized to create deep fakes meant to shame, silence, and control women and girls. Starting today until 10 December, United Nations Academic Impact joins UN Women in 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence to shine a spotlight on a growing crisis: digital violence. Nearly half of all women and girls worldwide lack legal protection against online abuse. Learn more and take action: https://lnkd.in/dNmkEg7x

 🌎 Calling all academics, policymakers, and global thinkers! The annual Academic Conference on #Africa is back! This year’s theme, “Seizing the Moment: The African State and Its Promise,” invites scholars and leaders to explore the State’s vital role in peace, development, and renewal. Now in its third edition, this conference continues to elevate African scholarship and connect research to action. 💡 Join leading thinkers in reimagining Africa’s future through shared dialogue and policy innovation.  📅 1–3 December 2025  ⏰ 10 a.m.–1 p.m. (NY time)  📍 Hybrid | UN Headquarters, Conference Room 2 or online   To attend in person or online, register here: https://lnkd.in/dx2cDx6s