COVID-19 has affected all aspects of society, crossing sectors and boundaries, underlining the interconnected nature of the pandemic and broader sustainability challenges. It has led to the first increase in global poverty in decades and threatens to stall or even reverse progress on the SDGs.

As a research and teaching institute working for sustainability, UNU-IAS is enhancing understanding and dialogue on these deep impacts across society. Through new and existing research we are informing policy solutions to overcome the crisis and advance the broader transformation towards sustainability.

Publications

COVID-19 and Progress on Subnational Localisation of the SDGs
UNU-IAS and United Cities & Local Governments Asia-Pacific (UCLG ASPAC), September 2021

This report highlights some of the challenges and opportunities facing subnational governments in overcoming the COVID-19 crisis and sustaining their efforts to attain the SDGs. Based on survey research in Indonesia, Malaysia, and the Philippines, it explores how the goals can help cities and regions shape and implement COVID-19 recovery strategies.

Regional/National Perspectives on the Impact of COVID-19 on Higher Education
International Association of Universities (IAU), August 2020

UNU-IAS research findings on the response of the education sector to the COVID-19 pandemic were published in this report in collaboration with the International Association of Universities (IAU). UNU-IAS conducted a survey in the Asia-Pacific region, engaging member universities of the Promotion of Sustainability in Postgraduate Education and Research Network (ProSPER.Net).

Building Resilience against Biological Hazards and Pandemics: COVID-19 and its Implications for the Sendai Framework
Progress in Disaster Science (Volume 6, April 2020) — Open Access

This journal article examines responses to COVID-19 at the global, regional, and national levels, and provides recommendations for applying disaster resilience strategies. It argues that current mechanisms and strategies for disaster resilience, as outlined in the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction (SFDRR), can enhance responses to global pandemics such as COVID-19.

Research

Governance for Sustainable Development
UNU-IAS research is examining the impacts of COVID-19 on efforts to attain the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and related agendas such as decarbonisation and digital transformation, among others. Through analysis at the national and sub-national levels we are advancing understanding on how the global goals can help to shape and implement COVID-19 recovery strategies, and sharing these lessons to inform policymaking.

Biodiversity & Society
COVID-19 pandemic has underscored the interconnectedness between human, animal, and environmental health, and the need to move towards the vision of living in harmony with nature. UNU-IAS is advancing efforts to ensure sustainable human–nature interactions through the Satoyama Initiative, and providing evidence-based inputs for implementing the Post-2020 Global Biodiversity Framework. We are developing new research linking biodiversity to the One Health agenda to promote integrated approaches to achieving public health outcomes.

Water & Resource Management
UNU-IAS research is exploring how wastewater monitoring can be a valuable tool in addressing infectious diseases, particularly in urban environments. Integrating water data can also bring broader benefits for sustainable urban development and resilience, in addition to public health.

Innovation & Education
UNU-IAS is mobilising its networks on education for sustainable development (ESD) to explore COVID-19 responses in the education sector. Research has included surveys conducted at the global level through the Regional Centres of Expertise on ESD (RCEs) network, and in the Asia-Pacific region with member universities of the Promotion of Sustainability in Postgraduate Education and Research Network (ProSPER.Net).

News & Events

2021•09•14

UNU Experts Discuss Resilience in Societies after COVID-19

2021•07•14

Green & Blue Recovery Emphasised in HLPF Side Event Focusing on Satoyama Initiative

2021•07•08

HLPF Side Event Explores Just & Inclusive Transition to a Carbon-Neutral World

2021•02•24

SDG Localisation and Digital Transformation Highlighted as a Way Forward in the Post-COVID-19 Era

2020•10•21

Experts Discuss Prospects of Higher Education During and After COVID-19

2020•08•17

Experts Call for Japan to Mainstream SDGs in COVID-19 Response & Recovery

See more

Preventive Measures

In response to the COVID-19 pandemic UNU-IAS has been implementing a range of measures to protect its personnel, students, and the broader community, while continuing to deliver on its mandate during this period. Read more