2026-2027 Regional Academy on the United Nations
Human security in a fragmented world and
the age of emerging technologies
October 2026 – April 2027
Background
As stated in General Assembly resolution 66/290, “human security is an approach to assist Member States in identifying and addressing widespread and cross-cutting challenges to the survival, livelihood and dignity of their people.” However, feeling secure in our lives and our futures has become more and more challenging. The world has been undergoing a rapid transformation process, influenced by increasing geopolitical competition, regional conflicts, and accelerating technological change. The consequences of climate change seem increasingly unavoidable, and the succession of health, economic and conflict-related crises affects all of us, but especially the most vulnerable. This exacerbates social inequalities and deepens processes of exclusion and social fragmentation.
The vertiginous advance of technology, including the development of AI and machine learning, brings about new playing fields. It can democratise access to knowledge and media, but also allows spreading misinformation, hate-speech and driving societal fragmentation. The increased reliance on private technological corporations contrasts with voices denouncing technology’s devastating effects on the climate and on the territories with the necessary mineral resources, further exacerbating division.
In the words of the Secretary-General, at the General Assembly on Priorities for 2026:
“Our priority must be to build unity in an age of division… Our challenge – and our priority – must be to build welcoming societies, not walled-off citadels. Societies that invest in the software of social cohesion, inclusion, education and skills, decent jobs and social protection with a new social contract… Look no further than artificial intelligence – and the algorithms shaping our lives…The forces of division and inequality are powerful – but so too is our capacity for solidarity and justice”.
The 2026–2027 RAUN theme - Human security in a fragmented world and the age of emerging technologies - calls for a united front in devising people-centred, context-specific, and sustainable solutions that strengthen cooperation and promote justice and security, while using emerging technologies as a tool to support inclusion and empower all people.
Why participate?
At a time when our world is at a critical juncture, participants will have a unique opportunity to contribute to one of the most consequential discussions about our future. Participants will:
Learn from experienced UN officials and get to experience the system from a unique vantage point.
Make an important contribution to the work of the United Nations and the international community through hand-on research.
Present policy recommendations to the international community at the UN headquarters in Vienna.
Gain invaluable experience and skills to prepare them for a career in an international organization, expand professional network, and gain new like-minded friends.
Konrad Gertz, Consultant at UNODC in Vienna, RAUN 2021 participant
"Taking part in the Regional Academy of the United Nations was an invaluable experience that not only broadened my academic horizons but also offered important insights into launching a career within the United Nations system.
Through mentorship and collaboration with UN experts, RAUN provided me with a comprehensive understanding of the inner workings of different International Organizations and connected me with other young professionals from different academic fields."
94% of participants say
that the RAUN project was a valuable experience for pursuing a career in an international organization
88% of participants confirm
that taking part in the RAUN project brings the opportunity of extending your professional network
81% agree
that over the course of the project they learned new soft skills
88% of the students
found new friends through participation in the RAUN project
Things that RAUN participants of the past years enjoyed the most
(anonymous feedback)
About RAUN 2026-2027
The seven-month long program consists of two in-person session and two online sessions that include several lectures and workshops linked to the RAUN theme of this year.
Participants will have the possibility to work on specific topics from a list suggested by the UN or partner organisations. Once topics have been selected, participants will be matched in small groups of 3 (maximum 4) to work on their chosen topic.
As a final outcome, participants will be required to submit a policy brief/paper of 12 to 15 pages based on desk research of the issues and discussions with experts from the UN and other organisations such as the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) and the Ban Ki-Moon Centre for Global Citizens. The policy brief/paper should include background information about the issue, ideas about the kind of future we want to create and common goals, an evaluation of the progress made towards achieving the goals (including milestones and challenges), and effective measures to support the process.
Structure of the Academy
The Academy follows a unique format combining lectures and interactive workshops with practical hands-on experience. The program consists of two sessions in person and two online sessions per academic year (from October to April). All courses are given by high-ranking experts and practitioners who share their rich experience with participants in an informal setting.
Apart from coursework during the sessions, participants work on research projects in close cooperation with UN organisations and other international organisations on topics related to the RAUN theme. Through their group work, participants are able to develop their research skills and form strong networks with like-minded peers, academics, and experts from various fields in an environment that fosters diversity, cultural learning, and understanding.
During the program, participants get the opportunity to visit UN institutions in Vienna. The results of the research projects will be presented during the final RAUN session at the UN Headquarters in Vienna in April 2027. At the end of the program, participants receive certificates of successful completion of the Academy.
Expert mentors
Participants will exchange with experts from the United Nations or partner organizations on a regular basis for consultations and discussions. These meetings shall help participants to better understand the issues and provide expert guidance during the drafting of the recommendations.
PEER+
Each group of participants will be assigned a PEER+, someone who has participated in the RAUN programme before, to provide additional support. PEER+ give advice based on their experience with RAUN and help participants by providing feedback on their work.
Sessions
• 2 in-person sessions (3 days each): End of October 2026 (Barcelona) and end of April 2027 (Vienna) (dates to be confirmed)
• 2 online sessions (3 to 4 hours each): dates to be confirmed
NOTE: For successful completion of the Academy participants are strictly required to participate in all sessions and to fully contribute to the final research outcome.
Participation fee
One time, non-refundable 200€. Limited number of scholarships is available on a merit basis. See Current Admission for more information.
Certificates
At the end of the programme, participants will receive certificates of successful completion.
Contact
For more information please contact us at raun-communications@ra-un.org.