Program Overview

United Nations University Program on Digital Technology and Sustainable Development

The UNU-DTSD Program is designed for young scholars currently enrolled in higher education institutions or in early career research positions. This unique program builds on an intensive collaboration between UNU-MACAU (Macau), UNU-MERIT (Maastricht, The Netherlands), and UNU-EHS (Bonn, Germany).

About the Program

Inspired by the global digital and green transition, the program cultivates participants' strategic vision and leadership potential, developing their research skills and knowledge to utilize digital technology to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The program represents a truly multidisciplinary perspective, combining the Digitalisation and AI expertise of UNU-MACAU, the Public Policy, Innovation, and Development focus of UNU-MERIT, and the knowledge on AI and climate change of UNU-EHS.

Structure of the Programme

The programme starts with a class day at UNU-MACAU in Macau, followed by sessions in Maastricht at UNU-MERIT, and finally in Bonn at UNU-EHS. The focus in Maastricht is on the use of AI for Public Policy, while in Bonn, the focus is on the use of AI to better handle Climate Change.

Learning Objectives

At the end of the programme, participants will:

• Know the structure of the UN and its entities
• Understand how Digitalisation and AI change societies
• Understand the basics of AI and be able to use it
• Have the ability to link the concepts of AI and Digitalisation to Public Policy and Development
• Understand the relationship between AI and Climate Change
• Experience working in a team and co-create solutions for global pressing issues
• Complete a group work with the guidance of UNU researchers and experts, and present it to the cohort and experts

Admission Requirements

The program is open for enrolment to participants from around the globe with an interest in international topics related to the UN Sustainable Development Goals. Students should be interested in research or further study or work in international organisations. While a master's degree is preferred, undergraduate students with a good understanding of research are also welcome. Specific interest in AI, Digitalisation, Sustainability, and Public Policy is beneficial.

To be eligible for admission, applicants must submit:

• The completed enrolment application form
• A copy of a valid passport or ID-card
• A CV
• A motivation letter
• A passport picture
• Proof of enrolment at or proof of having obtained a degree from a University of Applied Sciences / Bachelor of Arts / Bachelor of Science
• Proof of meeting the language requirement (minimum level equivalent to a 6.5 IELTS score)

Tuition Fees

The tuition fee for the UNU-DTSD Program is 1,975 euros per participant. The tuition includes:

• Registration to the programme
• Access to the learning environment, including readings, software, and other relevant information
• Training in MACAU, Maastricht, and Bonn
• Bus transfer from Maastricht to Bonn and Bonn to Maastricht
• Certificate of completion

The tuition does not include:

• Visa expenses (including health and travel insurance)
• Travel from/to Macau
• Travel from/to Maastricht (plane and train)
• Accommodation expenses in Macau, Maastricht, and Bonn
• Meals

Refund Policy for Course Withdrawal

• Full Refund Before Registration Deadline: Participants who withdraw before the registration deadline are eligible for a full refund of fees paid, minus 100 euro administration costs.
• Partial Refund: If a participant withdraws after the registration deadline but before 15 January, they are eligible for a partial refund of 50% of the tuition.
• No Refund: No refunds will be issued in case of withdrawal after 15 January.