Making Migration Research Work for Migrants: The Role of the United Nations University

The United Nations University forms the academic and think tank arm of the United Nations. In recent years, the UNU has significantly increased its policy-focused migration research program. This includes the foundation of a new institute, UNU-GCM, specifically focused on migration research and the creation of a new UNU Migration Network, a cross-institute platform that brings together UNU’s considerable strengths in the filed of migration studies, as well as a greater possibility of multi-lateral communication with policy-makers. Moving forward, the UNU seeks ways to support the Secretary- General’s eight-point agenda for action through its research projects and findings, and to work together with other United Nations bodies to ensure successful integration of migration in the post-2015 United Nations Development Agenda. The UNU has the potential to act as a key player in strengthening the migration evidence base, which it sees as a fundamental part of this process.