Strengthening collaboration between COST Actions and the UN system

Last week, we had the opportunity to participate in the COST Connect event “COST Actions and UN agencies – Solutions for the Sustainable Development Goals.”

The initiative aimed to identify synergies and explore future collaboration pathways between COST Actions and the United Nations system. Beyond high-level discussions, the event focused on practical mechanisms: helping research networks better navigate UN structures, identify relevant focal points and agencies, explore funding opportunities, and connect with strategic partners.

Importantly, the dialogue works in both directions. While COST Actions gain clearer pathways to engage with UN agencies, UN focal points are also supported in identifying relevant scientific expertise, networks and collaborative opportunities that can strengthen evidence-based decision-making.

For research networks such as ours, this type of initiative represents more than institutional coordination. It is about positioning science within global policy frameworks and ensuring that collaborative research efforts meaningfully contribute to the Sustainable Development Goals.

As we prepare for our upcoming face-to-face meeting, we look forward to continuing discussions on how to strengthen international cooperation and enhance the societal impact of our work.