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. The program is a unique collaboration between UNU-MACAU (Macau), UNU-MERIT (Maastricht, The Netherlands), and UNU-EHS (Bonn, Germany).

About the Program

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). It represents a truly multidisciplinary perspective, building on the Digitalisation and AI expertise of UNU-MACAU, the Public Policy, Innovation, and Development focus of UNU-MERIT, and the Sustainability knowledge of UNU-EHS.

Structure of the Program

The program starts with a class day at UNU-MACAU in Macau, which is hybrid, allowing Asian participants to join in person and participants from other continents to join online. During this session, the UN system and the foundations of AI are explained.

• The program then moves to The Netherlands, where participants travel to Maastricht.
• In Maastricht, at UNU-MERIT, the focus is on the use of AI for Public Policy, including labor market policy and the use of Monitoring and Evaluation to understand best practices and learn from implemented policies.
• Through lectures, basic knowledge is shared, and through interactive sessions, skills of cooperation, communication, software use, data use, and presentation are built.
• The program then moves to Bonn, where the focus is on the use of AI to better handle Disaster Risk Management and Climate adaptation.

Learning Objectives

At the end of the program, 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 concept of Public Policy to Digitalisation and Sustainability reach development
• 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 enrollment, targeting a global audience of students interested in international topics related to the UN Sustainable Development Goals. Students should be interested in research or further study or work in international organizations. While a master's degree is preferred, undergraduate students with a good understanding of research are also welcome. Specific interest in Digitalisation, Sustainability, and Public Policy is beneficial.

To be eligible for admission, applicants must submit:

• The completed enrollment application form
• A copy of a valid passport or ID-card
• A CV
• A motivation letter
• A passport picture
• Proof of enrollment 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)

The application deadline is 1 November for all participants. Upon confirmation of eligibility, participants are provided with an eligibility letter, requesting payment of the tuition fee.

Payment

Tuition Fees

The tuition fee for the UNU-DTSD Program is 1,975 euros per participant. Upon payment, an invitation letter for the visa application will be provided. The visa application should be handled by the participant.

What the Tuition Includes

• Registration to the program
• 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-Brussels-Maastricht
• Certificate of completion

What 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 (1 November) are eligible for a full refund of fees paid, minus 100 euro administration costs.
• Partial Refund: If a participant withdraws after the registration deadline of 1 November 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.

Speakers

• Dr. Emanuele Pugliese, Researcher, UNU-MERIT
• Dr. Tommaso Ciarli, Senior Researcher, UNU-MERIT
• Dr. Mindel van de Laar, Associate Professor / Head Capacity Development Office, UNU-MERIT
• Serge Stinckwich, Head of Research, UNU Macau
• David Daou, Associate Academic Officer, UNU-EHS
• Jia An LIU, Research Assistant, UNU Macau