February 2016: The UN Research Institute for Social Development (UNRISD) aims to keep social development concerns and objectives prominent in the implementation of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, as the overarching goal of its Strategy 2016-2020. Its research will address inequalities, conflict, and unsustainable practices, in order to capture pressing problems reflected across the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

According to UNRISD’s institutional strategy, titled ‘Transformations to Equity and Sustainability,’ the Institute will explore means to more inclusive development outcomes, analyze obstacles and identify ways to overcome them. As part of this process, it will assess synergies and trade-offs among different dimensions of the SDGs. It will also analyze the institutional architecture for its ability to ensure coherence among the SDGs’ dimensions. Finally, it will identify institutional arrangements and innovations to support “transformative” processes and outcomes, as defined by equity and inclusion.

UNRISD notes that it does not receive funding from the UN General Budget, and its activities are discussed and approved by the UNRISD Board. [Transformations to Equity and Sustainability: UNRISD Strategy 2016-2020] [UNRISD Newsletter, February 2016]