Insights | June 2025

Research and analysis for a changing world

This month’s edition of UNU-CPR Insights features expert insights on the evolving landscape of transnational organized crime and peacebuilding, innovative approaches to global governance and the transformative potential of AI agents in humanitarian action.

How transnational criminal networks fuel insecurity

Transnational organized crime is reshaping the landscape of international peace and security – emerging as a major driver of conflict and instability. Amid growing momentum for more coordinated multilateral action to address this threat, UNU-CPR is providing in-depth analysis and solutions in conflict-affected countries. The Centre recently released a report on the effects of organized crime in the Central African Republic and researchers also briefed the 2025 Stockholm Forum on Peace and Development and the UN Peacekeeping Ministerial in Berlin on the issue.

Building the institutions of the future

Addressing a widening gap between the desire and need for governance innovations and the information available to support this transformation, UNU-CPR has initiated a new project to identify, explore and visualize innovative governance practices. The multi-year Global Governance Innovation Platform will examine the institutions that have facilitated and sustained multilateral collaboration; understand how they encourage collective action; and explore how their models can encourage investments in global solutions and collaborative global governance. The Platform recently co-hosted a workshop on the future of climate governance, bringing together global experts, including COP30 President Amb. André Aranha Corrêa do Lago and COP30 Chief Strategist Tulio Andrade.

AI agents and humanitarian action: balancing ethics and innovation

In an era of constrained resources and growing humanitarian needs, AI agents present both unprecedented opportunities and profound risks for how the international community responds to crises. Research at UNU-CPR is examining one emerging application: agent-generated digital personas. A working paper and blog examine the ethical implications, risks and potentially transformative potential of this technology.

AI for all ages: designing inclusive digital futures

Also on the subject of AI, UNU-CPR researchers Drs. Nicole Goldin and Eleonore Fournier-Tombs introduce in Diplomatic Courier the concept of a "digital demographic dividend", arguing that countries can harness AI not just for efficiency, but as a tool for inclusive, age-aware economic growth. Analysing three distinct demographic contexts – youthful, aging and transitioning populations – their article offers strategic, evidence-based pathways for Governments to align AI investments with labour force dynamics.

Long-term governance to safeguard future generations

While protecting the interests of future generations is a multilateral principle of sustainable development, the practical mechanisms for implementing long-term governance remain underexplored. In response, UNU-CPR research assesses innovative policies, institutional designs and evidence-based solutions. In recent weeks the Centre has explored the implications of a new ocean governance treaty for future generations and outlined some of the urgent, collective steps the multilateral system must take to avoid global catastrophe, today and tomorrow.

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