UNU Hub at Lingnan
United Nations University Hub on Humanitarian Innovation and Technology at Lingnan University
On World Humanitarian Day, 19 August 2025, Lingnan University and United Nations University (UNU) jointly announced the establishment of the UNU Hub on Humanitarian Innovation and Technology (HIT) at Lingnan University - the first UNU Hub in Asia.
The strategic partnership aims to address global humanitarian challenges through an interdisciplinary approach that encompasses design, research, education, and impact initiatives. This unique Hub will serve as a platform for connecting academia, designers, and field practitioners from the region with the United Nations’ expertise to enhance collaborative contributions to the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The Hub will also accelerate development of innovative Humanitarian Technology (HT) and research to address the challenges faced by communities living at the Base of the Pyramid (BoP) and in Least Developed Countries (LDCs), particularly across the Global South.
Mission
Our mission is to advance innovative and inclusive technological solutions that enhance the well-being and dignity of communities at the base of the pyramid. Guided by the principles of humanity, partnership, and sustainable development, we are dedicated to fostering equitable collaboration and knowledge exchange with grassroots organizations across the Global South, ensuring that no one is left behind in the pursuit of progress.
A Global Platform for Research, Education, and Engagement
The HIT Hub is built upon the foundation of Lingnan University’s HT design and research excellence, graduate programme experience and field project expertise. HIT Hub is structured around three functional cores that facilitate seamless collaboration with UNU and partner academic institutes to advance UNU’s broader mission. These functional cores are:
The establishment of the first UNU Hub in Asia’s World City, Hong Kong, presents an ideal environment for innovation and collaboration. Hong Kong’s world class academic community and vibrant civil society, coupled with its access to China’s Greater Bay Area, provide unparalleled opportunities to leverage regional innovation and entrepreneurial potential. The UNU Hub on HIT at Lingnan University will foster strategic partnerships with academia, civil society, and international organizations, serving as a model for regional collaboration. This strategic positioning enables the Hub to catalyze new partnerships, scale humanitarian technologies, and contribute meaningfully to global discussions on inclusive growth and sustainable development.
Professor Tshilidzi Marwala, UNU Rector and UN Under-Secretary-General
“Asia is home to a substantial share of the Global South’s population and faces many of its most complex challenges. The UNU Hub at Lingnan University — the first in Asia — represents a significant advancement in UNU’s global mission. Lingnan University offers strong expertise in data science and extensive experience in humanitarian technology design that will foster synergies with UNU institutes. Through this UNU Hub, we are creating an anchor that harnesses Asia’s innovation capacity, deepens South-South collaboration and accelerates inclusive solutions that can be scaled globally.”
Prof S. Joe Qin, President and Wai Kee Kau Chair Professor of Data Science at Lingnan University
“Hong Kong boasts world-class universities, leading researchers, and extensive international connections, while being geographically close to many developing countries in Asia. Establishing the UNU Hub at Lingnan University will foster cross-regional collaboration and accelerate the application of research outcomes where they are most urgently needed. Through this platform, we aspire to nurture a new generation of leaders equipped with both research capabilities and humanitarian compassion, driving technological development to serve human well-being and create a more sustainable future.”
Supporting UN SDGs
Supporting the UN SDGs is central to the mission of the HIT Hub at Lingnan. True to Lingnan University’s motto – Education for Service, all Lingnan University undergraduate students must complete a service-learning course (3-credit) before graduation. Each year over 1000 students contributing over 45000 hours on 115+ projects to serve over 42000 people in Hong Kong and around the world.
