UNU-DTSD: Apply Now for the 2026 United Nations University Program on Digital Technology and Sustainable Development
The United Nations University (UNU) invites applications for its 2026 Digital Technology and Sustainable Development (UNU-DTSD) Program, a flagship capacity-building initiative designed for early-career researchers and students interested in the intersection of AI, digitalisation, sustainability, and public policy.
This intensive, interdisciplinary program will take place from 30 January to 11 February 2026, spanning three countries and three UNU institutes:
- UNU-MACAU (Macau, China)
- UNU-MERIT (Maastricht, the Netherlands)
- UNU-EHS (Bonn, Germany)
About the Program
The UNU-DTSD Program aims to prepare the next generation of leaders and researchers to tackle global challenges using digital technologies and artificial intelligence. Drawing on expertise from three UNU institutes, the program offers a multidisciplinary curriculum focusing on:
- Digital transformation and AI foundations
- Public policy innovation and evaluation
- Climate adaptation and disaster risk reduction
Through lectures, workshops, interactive group projects, and institutional visits, participants will develop skills essential for working in international organisations and addressing complex sustainability challenges.
Program Structure
Phase 1 – Online/Hybrid Launch (Macau)
- Hosted by UNU-MACAU, this session introduces participants to the UN system and foundational concepts in AI.
- Asian participants may attend in person, while others join remotely.
Phase 2 – Public Policy and AI (Maastricht)
- Participants travel to Maastricht to attend in-person sessions at UNU-MERIT.
- Topics include AI for public policy, labour markets, and monitoring and evaluation.
- The curriculum balances lectures with hands-on sessions on software, data, communication, and teamwork.
Phase 3 – AI and Climate Change (Bonn)
- The cohort then travels to UNU-EHS in Bonn to explore AI applications in climate science, disaster response, and sustainability.
- Social and networking opportunities are integrated, along with optional sightseeing.
Final Presentations & Certification (Maastricht)
- On 9 February, participants return to Maastricht to present their group projects.
- The program concludes with a certificate ceremony.
Key Learning Objectives
By the end of the program, participants will:
- Understand the structure of the UN and its agencies
- Grasp how digitalisation and AI are transforming societies
- Apply AI concepts in public policy and sustainable development
- Explore how AI intersects with climate adaptation and disaster risk
- Gain practical experience working in international, interdisciplinary teams
- Deliver a collaborative research project with expert guidance
Admission Requirements
The program is open to globally-minded students and early-career researchers with a strong interest in international development and the UN Sustainable Development Goals. Applicants must demonstrate:
- Enrolment in or completion of a degree in a relevant field (BA/BSc or higher)
- An academic or professional interest in AI, digitalisation, sustainability, or public policy
- English proficiency equivalent to an IELTS score of 6.5 or higher
Required Documents:
- Completed application form
- Motivation letter
- CV
- Passport or ID
- Passport-style photo
- Proof of enrolment or degree
- English language proficiency documentation
Application Deadline: 1 November 2025
Tuition & Costs
Program Fee: €1,975 per participant
This fee covers:
- Registration and access to all training sessions
- Learning materials, software, and support
- Travel between cities (Maastricht–Bonn–Brussels)
- Certificate of completion
Not included:
- Visa, insurance, and international travel costs
- Accommodation and meals in all locations (recommendations provided)
Upon acceptance, participants will receive an eligibility letter and visa invitation (after payment).
Refund Policy:
- Full refund (minus €100 admin fee) before 1 November
- 50% refund between 1 November and 15 January
- No refund after 15 January
Featured Speakers
- Dr. Emanuele Pugliese (UNU-MERIT)
- Dr. Tommaso Ciarli (UNU-MERIT)
- Dr. Mindel van de Laar (UNU-MERIT)
- Serge Stinckwich (UNU-MACAU)
- David Daou (UNU-EHS)
- Jia An Liu (UNU-MACAU)
Why Apply?
This is a rare opportunity to:
- Learn from global experts in AI, sustainability, and development
- Collaborate with peers from around the world
- Visit UN and EU institutions
- Gain practical experience in international research
- Prepare for careers in global governance and academia
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Disclaimer: Global South Opportunities (GSO) is not the hosting organization. For any inquiries, please contact the United Nations University (UNU) directly. Please do not send your applications to GSO, as we are unable to process them. Due to the high volume of emails we receive daily, we may not be able to respond to all inquiries. Thank you for your understanding.
