2025 UN BeSci Week
Coordinated by the UN Behavioural Science (BeSci) Group, the 7th UN Behavioural Science Week will bring together 46 UN Entities collaborating across 15 events from 7 - 11 April, 2025.
Sessions will explore key topics at the intersection of AI and behavioural science, as well as the integration of BeSci into the work of the UN, the role of evidence in decision-making, and practical applications in health, urban settings, and more.
Behavioural science is a key pillar of UN 2.0 - the UN Secretary-General’s vision for a modernised UN equipped with cutting-edge capabilities and a forward-looking culture.
2025 United Nations
Behavioural Science Week
Virtual Events
7 - 11 April 2025
Who can attend?
UN BeSci Week events are free of charge and open to all and have in the past attracted attendance and attention from thousands of UN colleagues as well as representatives from governments, academia, civil society, NGOs and the private sector.
How does behavioural science help the work of the UN? Hear from past UN Behavioural Science Week speakers about what we’ve learned and what’s next.
Featured Speakers for
2025 UN Behavioural Science Week
Thematic areas include:
Pre-Week Events
What is behavioural science, and how is it being applied across the UN? This event will provide an introduction to BeSci, its value for the UN and Member States, and its role in advancing UN 2.0.
The session will feature remarks from Professor Nava Ashraf (London School of Economics) and Irina Sánchez (Government of Uruguay), along with behavioural scientists working in the UN sharing how they apply BeSci in their work. It will offer participants a foundational understanding of behavioural science in the UN, laying the groundwork for deeper discussions throughout UN Behavioural Science Week.
2 April
9 AM ET
UN EOSG & UNIN
Behavioural Science & UN 2.0
How can UN colleagues, governments, academia, civil society, the private sector, and other partners engage with the UN Behavioural Science Group?
This session will explore opportunities for collaboration, knowledge-sharing, and partnerships to advance behavioural science within the UN and beyond. Speakers will highlight ways to contribute, from sharing research and case studies to accessing resources, participating in joint projects, and exploring avenues for partnerships and strategic support. Whether you’re looking to apply BeSci, connect with experts, or build partnerships, this session will help you get involved.
3 April
9 AM ET
UN EOSG & UNIN
Engaging with the UN Behavioural Science Group
Monday, 7 April
The High-level Opening session of UN Behavioural Science Week 2025 will explore how AI, data, and behavioural science can shape the future of the UN.
Opening remarks will be delivered by Amandeep Gill (Under-Secretary-General & UN Secretary-General’s Special Envoy for Digital and Emerging Technologies), followed by insights from Professor Sandy Pentland (Massachusetts Institute of Technology).
A high-level panel will then discuss practical applications, featuring Kamal Kishore (Assistant Secretary-General & Special Representative of the UN Secretary-General for Disaster Risk Reduction), Juan Lavista Ferres (Chief Data Scientist, AI for Good Lab, Microsoft), Arianna Legovini (Director, Development Impact Department, World Bank), and Mireia Villar Forner (UN Resident Coordinator, Colombia).
High-Level Opening
9 AM ET/ 3 PM CET
UN EOSG & UNIN
As the UN advances the UN 2.0 agenda, embedding behavioural science into policies, programmes, and planning cycles is key to driving impact.
This session explores practical approaches to integrating BeSci across the UN. Speakers from OHCHR, UNEP, and UNDP will share experiences, from applying BeSci in programme planning to incorporating behavioural science into global reports and fostering experimentation worldwide. The discussion will also reflect on the challenges of working in a resource-limited environment and how embedding BeSci within existing structures can enhance efficiency and effectiveness.
11 AM ET / 5 PM CET
OHCHR, UNDP, UNEP, #NewWork
Embedding Behavioural Science in the UN
Tuesday, 8 April
This interactive session showcases how behavioural science is being applied across the UN, featuring case studies that highlight successes, challenges, and key lessons learned.
Presenters will share practical examples of BeSci in action, from driving change and adaptation to shaping urban environments and enhancing how policymakers use BeSci to improve their work. The session will provide an opportunity to explore real-world applications, discuss what has worked (and what hasn’t), and reflect on how behavioural science can drive more effective policies and programmes. Join us to engage with UN colleagues applying BeSci across different contexts and gain inspiration for your own work.
7 AM ET/ 1 PM CET
UN DESA, UN DMSPC,
UN ESCWA, FAO,
UN-HABITAT, UNITAR
UN BeSci Expo: Policymaking, Urban Settings & Driving Change
Understanding “what works” is central to behavioural science and critical for effective decision-making in the UN, particularly in environments with competing demands and limited capacity.
This session explores how BeSci is being applied to evaluation, testing, and evidence use to strengthen decision-making. It will feature opening remarks by Andrew Leigh (Assistant Minister, Government of Australia) and Gina Lucarelli (UNDP Accelerator Labs Network), followed by speakers from CRAF’d, OIOS, UNAIDS, UNEG, and the WTO, who will share experiences integrating BeSci into evaluation frameworks, experimentation, and decision-making processes. The discussion will highlight practical approaches to improving evidence use, refining interventions, and ensuring data-driven decision-making supports impactful change across the UN system.
9 AM ET / 3 PM CET
CRAF'd, UN OIOS, UNAIDS, UNDP, UNEG, WTO
Behavioural Science for Evidence & Decision-Making in the UN
How can AI and digital tools improve public policy - and how can behavioural science help ensure they work effectively for people?
Join Professor Susan Athey (Stanford University) for a discussion on the intersection of AI, behavioural science, and public policy. Drawing on real-world examples, we will explore how data-driven tools can be designed and scaled for greater impact, and the role of behavioural science in evidence-based policymaking. Learn how these approaches connect to the work of the UN and the Sustainable Development Goals - bring your questions for Professor Athey!
11 AM ET / 5 PM CET
UN EOSG & UNIN
Discussion with Professor Susan Athey
Wednesday, 9 April
Many UN colleagues are eager to integrate behavioural science into their work - but where to begin?
This session will feature discussions with UNDESA, ITC, UNESCO, and the WHO who will share their experiences starting with and progressing behavioural science application. Speakers will share their initial experiences, challenges, and lessons learned across areas such as data-driven decision-making and digital learning. Whether you're just getting started or looking for inspiration, join us for a discussion on practical entry points and early insights into BeSci in the UN.
7 AM ET/ 1 PM CET
UN DESA, ITC, UNEN,
UNESCO, WHO
Getting Started with Behavioural Science
As Artificial Intelligence (AI) becomes more integrated into decision-making, its potential to support behaviourally informed interventions is growing. At the same time, behavioural science can help ensure AI-driven solutions are designed and applied effectively with an understanding of human behaviour.
This session explores the intersection of AI and BeSci, featuring colleagues from UNICC, and the World Bank, as well as the UN Data Community, and the UN Digital Community. Speakers will share experiences with AI-powered behavioural diagnostics, chatbots, and addressing bias in AI solutions. Opening remarks will be delivered by Professor Anna Korhonen (University of Cambridge, Director of the Centre for Human-Inspired AI), providing a foundation for a discussion on how AI and BeSci can shape each other for greater impact.
9 AM ET / 3 PM CET
UNICC, World Bank, UN Digital & Data communities
Intro to Artificial Intelligence & Behavioural Science
How can behavioural science and data science come together to drive meaningful change in the UN?
This advanced session will explore innovative and existing approaches to using BeSci and data for efficiency gains, informed decision-making, and strategic insights. Professor Neil Lawrence (University of Cambridge) will provide opening remarks, setting the stage for a discussion on human-centred data science in UN contexts. Colleagues from UNHCR and UNICEF will then share real-world examples, discuss the challenges of integrating data and BeSci, and highlight the value of partnerships and research. From overcoming data constraints to investing in the right skill sets, this session will examine how to maximise BeSci and analytics for scalable impact particularly in resource-sensitive environments.
11 AM ET / 5 PM CET
UNICEF & UNHCR
Bridging Behavioural Science & Data Science in the UN
Thursday, 10 April
UN teams are increasingly looking to integrate behavioural science into their work and engagement with partners through capacity-building initiatives.
This session explores different approaches, from online courses to community engagement, and how to tailor BeSci learning to diverse audiences. Speakers from UNOCT, UNSSC, and the World Bank will share insights on developing effective training, applying BeSci principles to teaching, and embedding behavioural science into organisational thinking. Drawing from their experiences, they will discuss what has worked, what challenges they have faced, and how BeSci capacity-building is evolving within the UN to support more effective decision-making and impact.
7 AM ET/ 1 PM CET
UN OCT, UNSSC, World Bank
Building Behavioural Science Capacity in the UN
Behavioural science goes beyond standard experiments - it encompasses a wide range of methods to generate evidence and improve decision-making.
This session explores innovative approaches, from large-scale randomised controlled trials and discrete choice experiments to longitudinal studies and strategies for scaling impact. Colleagues from ILO, UNAIDS, WHO, and the World Bank will share how these methods are shaping fields such as public health and social policy. Attendees will gain insights into how behavioural science can extend beyond traditional studies to generate evidence, refine strategies, and drive lasting change in UN contexts and beyond. Designed for those with BeSci experience, this session explores relatively advanced methods for deeper impact.
9 AM ET / 3 PM CET
ILO, UNAIDS, WHO,
World Bank
Expanding Behavioural Science Methods for Policy and Practice
This session explores how behavioural science is being applied across the UN to strengthen resilience, address maritime challenges, and harness creativity for change.
Featuring case studies from across the UN, speakers will share successes, challenges, and lessons learned in using BeSci to improve decision-making under risk, support sea level rise adaptation, and foster innovative approaches, among other areas. This session will highlight practical applications and insights on leveraging behavioural science to navigate complex challenges and build more sustainable, resilient futures.
11 AM ET / 5 PM CET
Beyond Lab @ UN Geneva, UNDRR, FAO, UN Global Pulse, WMU
UN BeSci Expo: Resilience, Maritime Challenges, and Creativity
Friday, 11 April
How can behavioural science drive systemic change at local, national, and global levels?
This session explores how BeSci can support global initiatives like the Pact for the Future, as well as locally driven movements. Colleagues from DCO, Local2030, UNEN, and UNICEF will share insights on applying BeSci across different levels, from shaping policies and national strategies to strengthening community-led action. The session will also feature Francis Meyo (Busara), bringing additional perspectives on applying BeSci to systemic transformation. The discussion will highlight how understanding context connects institutional structures with individual behaviours to drive meaningful, lasting change locally and at scale.
7 AM EST/ 1 PM CET
UN DCO, Local2030, UNICEF, Futures Lab
Behavioural Science for Systemic Change: Local to Global Impact
This session showcases how behavioural science is being applied across the UN to inform policy, address sustainability challenges, and improve nutrition outcomes.
Bringing together UN case studies, this discussion will explore how BeSci is shaping policies, influencing behaviours, and tackling complex global challenges. Speakers will share practical insights on using behavioural science to advance rights realisation, strengthen resilience, and drive healthier food systems. The session will highlight key successes, ongoing challenges, and lessons learned, offering valuable takeaways for those looking to integrate behavioural science into their work.
9 AM EST / 3 PM CET
UN DGC, FAO, OHCHR, UNHCR, UNU, WFP
UN BeSci Expo: Rights, Sustainability, and Nutrition