UNU-IAS was born out of the Rio Declaration on Environment and Development agenda, and is one of thirteen research and training centers under the United Nations University (UNU) – an international community of scholars that generates and transfers knowledge and strengthens capacities relevant to promoting human security and development, particularly in developing countries.

The Institute’s current priority areas of research are:

– Biodiplomacy (encompassing issues such as access and benefit-sharing of genetic resources, biotechnology and biosafety, bioethics, traditional knowledge and agriculture in peace building),

– Education for Sustainable Development,

– Sustainable Development Governance (participation of civil society and developing countries in the multilateral process / Multilateral institutions and change), and

– Science Policy for Sustainable Development.