UNU HIT Hub
at Lingnan

United Nations University Hub on Humanitarian Innovation and Technology (UNU HIT Hub)
at Lingnan University

Innovation and Technology for Humanitarian Action

Advancing humanitarian action and contributing towards sustainable development goals through innovative solutions

Shaping Youth to Take Action

Education for Service: reimagining education in fostering responsible leaders of tomorrow

Vision and Objectives

This strategic partnership between Lingnan University and the United Nations University (UNU) 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

To advance innovative and inclusive technological solutions that enhance the well-being and dignity of communities at the Base of the Pyramid (BoP)

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.

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."

Professor 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.”