What is the UN Innovation Network? 

Sharing expertise and experience to promote and advance innovation within the UN System.

The UN Innovation Network (UNIN) is an informal, collaborative community of UN innovators interested in sharing their expertise and experience with others to promote and advance innovation within the UN System. The work of the UNIN is driven by the interests and needs of its members.

For innovation practitioners, the Network hosts regular knowledge sharing sessions to review and discuss the application of new innovation trends and technologies and how they can contribute to achieving the SDGs. It also helps Entities share tools, resources and best practices for innovating in the UN. The Network also engages with senior UN leaders and advises them on how to build structures to promote innovation, activate innovation partnerships and create a culture of innovation in their organisations.

The UN Innovation Network was founded in 2015 and is jointly chaired and funded by UNDP, UNICEF and WFP. UNIN is open to innovators from all UN Entities and to date, colleagues from over 70 entities in over 180 countries have joined the Network.

UNIN is primarily a network for individual innovators, but we also welcome UN Entities to join. The Principles for Digital Development form the shared values of all UNIN members and create a basis for joint innovation efforts. UNIN organisational members have adopted these Principles and committed to work in line with them whenever possible. You can learn more about endorsing the non-binding principles here.

Innovation Tributes

Meet Team UNIN 

Johanna Jochim
Network Lead
Ruth Blackshaw
Lead: Innovation Culture & Fellowship
Mary MacLennan
Lead: UN Behavioural Science Group
Julia Schoendienst
Lead: UN Digital Community
Emma Honkala
Lead: UN Scaling Innovation Group
Sabrina Delafield
Innovation Culture Intern
Timon Bati
Communications & Community Support

Meet the UNIN Co-Chairs

Hila Cohen
WFP Co-Chair
Robert Opp
UNDP Co-Chair
Thomas Davin
UNICEF Co-Chair

Not sure who to reach out to? 

Drop our team a line and we'll make sure the right person gets back to you!

Join the UN Innovation Network

We encourage everyone interested in innovation - from all across the UN and beyond - to join the UN Innovation Network to collaborate, share experiences and innovate for the Sustainable Development Goals.

Join Us