Our research and policy briefs are aligned with the UN 2030 Agenda. We tag all our work with relevant SDGs to track our contribution to global sustainable development.
Our research contributes to the 2030 Agenda
CCW – GGE on LAWS | Autonomous Weapons and Global South Perspectives The InterAgency Institute engages with the international debate on Lethal Autonomous Weapons Systems (LAWS)within the framework of the Convention on Certain Conventional Weapons (CCW) and its Group of Governmental Experts on emerging technologies in the area of LAWS. The Institute advocates for the meaningful inclusion of Global South perspectives in discussions on autonomy in weapons systems, human judgement and control, accountability, international humanitarian law, and the emerging normative framework governing the development and use of autonomous weapons. Our work emphasizes that the governance of military artificial intelligence and autonomous weapons is not only a technological and legal challenge, but also a question of international security, technological inequality and meaningful participation in global rule-making. Differences in technological capabilities, regulatory capacity and access to expertise can significantly affect the ability of states, particularly developing countries, to assess emerging military technologies and participate effectively in the development of international norms. Drawing on interdisciplinary expertise in international security, defence, artificial intelligence and international cooperation, the InterAgency Institute contributes research and policy advocacy on human judgement and control, accountability and responsibility, military AI governance, technological asymmetries, capacity-building and the participation of Global South countries in multilateral disarmament processes. Through engagement with the CCW/GGE on LAWS and the broader international debate on autonomous weapons, the Institute seeks to connect research, civil society expertise and multilateral policy processes, contributing to governance frameworks that are legally sound, technologically informed and responsive to the security concerns and institutional realities of states across different regions and levels of technological capacity.
Read moreUNODC – SE4U | Organized Crime and Interagency Cooperation The InterAgency Institute engages with the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) through the Stakeholder Engagement for the United Nations Convention against Transnational Organized Crime (SE4U)framework, which promotes the participation of civil society, academia and other non-governmental stakeholders in the implementation and review of the UN Convention against Transnational Organized Crime (UNTOC). Within this framework and through engagement with UNODC-related thematic processes and the United Nations Crime Congress, the Institute contributes research, policy analysis and advocacy on transnational organized crime and interagency cooperation, with particular attention to maritime and cross-border environments. Our work examines crime convergence, recognizing that human trafficking, migrant smuggling, drug trafficking, illicit financial flows, arms trafficking and other forms of organized crime increasingly intersect across routes, networks and jurisdictions. The Institute focuses particularly on the institutional and operational challenges created by these intersections and on the mechanisms required for effective cooperation among law enforcement agencies, maritime authorities, border and customs services, judicial institutions, international organizations and civil society. Drawing on expertise from the Global South and Atlantic regions, the InterAgency Institute promotes evidence-based approaches to maritime human trafficking and migrant smuggling, transnational criminal networks, maritime routes and critical infrastructures, interagency coordination, international technical cooperation and capacity-building. Through research, policy dialogue and stakeholder engagement, the Institute seeks to strengthen the connection between academic knowledge, civil society expertise and policy practice, contributing to more integrated responses to transnational organized crime and to the implementation of UNTOC and its Protocols.
Read moreParis Peace Forum | Artificial Intelligence and Transition Minerals The InterAgency Institute engages with the Paris Peace Forum (PPF) as part of its advocacy on emerging technologies, artificial intelligence, strategic resources and the inclusion of Global South perspectives in contemporary global governance. Within the Forum's policy ecosystem, the Institute contributes to discussions on **artificial intelligence and transition minerals**, two increasingly interconnected dimensions of technological development, economic security and geopolitical competition. On artificial intelligence, the Institute advocates for inclusive approaches to AI governance that address technological asymmetries, digital inequalities, access to capabilities and infrastructure, and the meaningful participation of developing countries in shaping international norms. Particular attention is given to the implications of AI for international and collective security, responsible governance, technological sovereignty and the growing disparities between countries with different levels of technological capacity. On transition and critical minerals, the Institute focuses on the geopolitical and governance implications of the resources required for the energy and digital transitions. This includes questions of responsible supply chains, strategic dependencies, access to critical resources, environmental and social responsibility, and the position of mineral-producing countries from the Global South within global value chains. The Institute is particularly interested in the intersection between these agendas. The expansion of artificial intelligence and other advanced technologies depends upon increasingly complex infrastructures, energy systems, computing capacity and strategic mineral supply chains. Understanding these interdependencies is essential for addressing emerging forms of technological inequality and for ensuring that the benefits, costs and strategic risks associated with technological transformation are not distributed unevenly between the Global North and Global South. Through its engagement with the Paris Peace Forum, the InterAgency Institute seeks to connect research and policy advocacy with multi-stakeholder dialogue, contributing Global South and interdisciplinary perspectives to emerging debates on **AI governance, technological sovereignty, responsible transition minerals, strategic dependencies and collective security.
Read moreThe Global Security research program examines the transformations affecting international peace, security, and resilience in a rapidly evolving global environment. The program integrates perspectives from international relations, strategic studies, technology governance, economics, law, environmental studies, and public policy to understand how complex and interconnected threats reshape global security dynamics. Research focuses on the interaction between emerging technologies, governance systems, and international cooperation. Particular attention is given to artificial intelligence, autonomous systems, cybersecurity, critical infrastructure protection, maritime security, digital sovereignty, organized crime, illicit trafficking, disaster risk reduction, climate security, and the governance of disruptive technologies. These themes are examined from both strategic and operational perspectives, considering their implications for governments, international organizations, the private sector, and civil society. The program develops analytical frameworks that support evidence-based policymaking, strategic planning, and institutional capacity building. Simulation methodologies, scenario development, data analysis, and interagency approaches constitute central research tools for understanding complex crises, supporting decision-making processes, and strengthening cooperation across sectors and jurisdictions. A significant component of the research agenda examines security challenges from Global South perspectives. The program investigates how regional experiences, local knowledge, and South South cooperation contribute to more inclusive and effective governance models. Research also explores the role of international organizations, regional arrangements, multistakeholder partnerships, and public private cooperation in addressing transnational security challenges. The program contributes to the design of innovative public policies that strengthen institutional resilience, improve crisis preparedness, foster international cooperation, and promote sustainable security solutions aligned with the evolving demands of global governance.
Read moreThe Regenerative Development research program investigates how societies, institutions, and territories can strengthen their capacity to regenerate environmental, economic, social, and governance systems in response to contemporary global challenges. The program adopts an interdisciplinary perspective that connects sustainability, technological innovation, resilience, and public policy to support long-term development strategies. Research explores the application of artificial intelligence, geospatial technologies, digital platforms, data science, and decision support systems to improve territorial planning, environmental management, urban governance, and public administration. Technological innovation is examined as an instrument for increasing institutional effectiveness while promoting social inclusion, environmental responsibility, and equitable development. The program studies the resilience of cities, coastal regions, maritime spaces, rural communities, and strategic ecosystems under conditions of climate change, demographic transformation, economic disruption, and environmental degradation. Particular attention is given to preserving biodiversity, cultural heritage, historical memory, critical infrastructure, and natural resources as fundamental components of resilient societies. Research also addresses circular economy, blue economy, sustainable infrastructure, food and water security, energy transitions, ecosystem restoration, and nature based solutions. The objective is to identify governance models capable of integrating economic development, environmental protection, technological innovation, and social well-being into coherent public policies. International cooperation constitutes a central element of the program. Comparative research, policy analysis, capacity building initiatives, and interagency cooperation support the development of practical solutions for governments, international organizations, local communities, and development agencies. The program seeks to contribute to regenerative governance models that strengthen resilience, reduce inequalities, promote sustainable prosperity, and reinforce the implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals. Esses textos estão muito mais alinhados com a identidade científica construída pelo InterAgency Institute ao longo das suas publicações. Eles incorporam temas recorrentes dos vossos trabalhos, como interagency governance, simulations for decision support, AI governance, Global South approaches, maritime and critical infrastructure security, resilience, blue economy e evidence-based public policy, sem parecer uma descrição genérica de um centro de pesquisa.
The Education, Technology, and the Democratization of Knowledge research program examines how digital transformation is reshaping education, knowledge production, and capacity building across diverse institutional, social, and cultural contexts. The program investigates how technological innovation can expand access to quality education, strengthen learning ecosystems, and promote more inclusive and equitable opportunities for individuals and communities. Research focuses on digital education, artificial intelligence in education, educational technologies, learning analytics, digital literacy, and innovative pedagogical approaches that enhance teaching, learning, and professional development. Particular attention is given to the responsible and ethical use of emerging technologies, ensuring that digital transformation contributes to human development while reducing inequalities in access to knowledge and educational opportunities. The program explores strategies to democratize knowledge through open education, digital platforms, collaborative learning environments, multilingual resources, and inclusive educational practices. Research examines how institutions can overcome barriers related to geography, socioeconomic conditions, language, accessibility, and digital infrastructure, promoting broader participation in knowledge creation and dissemination. Innovation in pedagogy constitutes a central component of the research agenda. The program develops and evaluates active learning methodologies, simulations, educational games, decision support exercises, problem based learning, and other technology enhanced approaches that strengthen critical thinking, collaboration, leadership, and evidence based decision making. Special attention is given to educational innovation in higher education, professional training, public administration, international organizations, and interagency cooperation. The program also investigates lifelong learning as an essential dimension of resilient societies and adaptive institutions. Research examines how continuous education supports workforce transformation, digital competencies, public sector modernization, leadership development, and institutional resilience in rapidly changing technological and geopolitical environments. Education for public policy and governance represents another strategic area of research. The program explores how education can strengthen institutional capacity, democratic governance, public participation, policy design, and international cooperation. Through interdisciplinary research, capacity building initiatives, and partnerships with universities, governments, international organizations, and civil society, the program contributes to developing innovative educational models that promote inclusive knowledge societies, responsible technological innovation, and sustainable development.
