Video message of the Acting Director-General - UNRISD Meeting of Key Stakeholders, Funders and Research Users

I am pleased to give my strong support for the work of the United Nations Research Institute for Social Development – UNRISD. The Institute is an important member of our International Geneva family and adds tremendous value to our activities, promoting peace, rights and well-being for all.

With forward-looking and independent research, UNRISD drives development thinking and practice. Since its establishment, UNRISD analysis has shaped policy-setting within the wider United Nations. The ideas generated by UNRISD serve as powerful multipliers for a lasting impact of our common work.

UNRISD has built up extensive intellectual capital and a vast network. This enables the Institute to produce cost-effective research in a short period of time, capitalizing on a global knowledge base.

UNRISD has an impressive track record in predicting trends, pinpointing gaps in our existing understanding and enhancing the collective awareness of the dynamics of social development.

This is work we need to enable us all to frame innovative policies. And these are policies that respond to the needs of the future rather than simply reacting to the challenges of the past.

UNRISD is now entering a new phase of consolidation, which is supported by the entire United Nations family.

Looking ahead, there is no doubt that UNRISD will play a key role in the framing and implementation of the post-2015 development agenda. Business-as-usual will not do if we are to have a truly transformative agenda. Fresh, critical thinking and evidence-based analysis of the kind that UNRISD produces will be absolutely essential.

The United Nations family and its partners in Geneva will be frontline actors in the implementation of the post-2015 agenda. And to be successful in our collective efforts, we will continue to rely on UNRISD’s contribution to bring about the change we need for a better world.

Thank you.