Translation of Evidence to Policy – Convening with UNU-IIGH

The United Nations University’s International Institute for Global Health (UNU-IIGH) was established in
2005 as part of the UNU system. Its mission is to advance evidence-based policy on key issues related to sustainable development and global health through an interdisciplinary and intersectoral approach to problem-solving.

Global health institutions, including UN agencies and academia, generate significantly large bodies of evidence through rigorous research, field-based interventions and professional practice. The volume
of information is overwhelming, often leaving a gap in translation, dissemination and implementation.

UNU-IIGH serves as a designated ”think tank” on global health for the UN system, and a “policy hub” to support UN agencies and other global health institutions to translate and disseminate global guidance and recommendations to make them relevant for country-level decision-makers.

Neutral Convener within the United Nations system

At UNU-IIGH, we believe in the power of convening and its ability to generate insight and action beyond what any single actor could achieve alone. Leveraging the UN and UNU network, UNU-IIGH provides a neutral convening space for debate on cross-cutting global health priorities, and the development of strategies that aim to contextualise and operationalise evidence for policy and implementation. We provide a forum for discussion across multiple sectors to translate tough problems into results-oriented solutions.

Independent Forum for Global Health Discussions

UNU-IIGH provides an independent intellectual platform for engagement, which brings together a range of actors – academics, UN agencies, Member States, civil society, and the private sector. As the academic unit of the UN, UNU-IIGH can advocate for approaches and convening outcomes in global health that may be novel, disrupt orthodoxies, and challenge participants, encouraging them to think in new ways.

Combining its position in the UN with access to the academic community, it is uniquely positioned to rigorously research a topic; convene a broad set of stakeholders; communicate and disseminate recommendations; and where appropriate, support implementation.

Our events encourage and provide space for frank discussions, debate, critical thinking and exchange among diverse groups of policy makers, experts and thought leaders.

Global Network of Experts

Based in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, UNU-IIGH provides end-to-end organising services, including the identification of relevant participants, stakeholder engagement and full logistics support, as well as the development of preparatory research and briefing materials, and consolidation of outcome materials.

We draw on a cadre of PhD students, fellows, visiting scholars and experts to support the compilation and review of evidence to inform policy dialogues, and translate and contextualise guidance and recommendations.

Projects

1. LEAP Forum

2. Global Health Think Tanks Roundtable 

3. The Lancet Commission on Gender and Health

Publications

UNU Collections