University of Pretoria Becomes First UN University Hub in Africa and the Global South

By Bheki Dlamini

PRETORIA, South Africa — The United Nations University (UNU) has proudly launched its first-ever UNU Hub in Africa and the Global South, headquartered at the University of Pretoria (UP).

The inauguration of the UNU Hub on Resilient Environment, Agriculture, Climate and Health for Africa (REACH-AFRICA) marks a historic milestone in July 2025, establishing a flagship centre dedicated to advancing sustainable solutions to Africa’s pressing challenges.

Established in partnership with the UNU Institute for Water, Environment and Health (UNU-INWEH), the Hub is located at UP’s Future Africa Campus, a leading pan-African platform that fosters transdisciplinary research and innovation. Together, they will strengthen the interaction between science, policy, and society across Africa, focusing on interconnected issues such as climate change, food and water security, and public health.

“This is not just the first UNU Hub in Africa; it is a defining moment in the 50-year journey of the United Nations University,” said Professor Tshilidzi Marwala, UNU Rector and UN Under-Secretary-General. “We are proud that this flagship initiative is being launched in South Africa, through an institution that exemplifies scientific excellence, partnership, and continental leadership.”

UP named first UN University Hub in Africa and Global South – University of Pretoria

As the fifth university worldwide to host a UNU Hub in collaboration with UNU-INWEH, UP joins the ranks of distinguished institutions such as the University of Calgary (Canada), the Technical University of Hamburg (Germany), Lund University (Sweden), and the City College of New York (USA).

Professor Francis Petersen, Vice-Chancellor and Principal of the University of Pretoria, emphasised the Hub’s uniquely African identity:

“REACH-AFRICA embodies the spirit of ‘By Africa, in Africa, for Africa.’ It is dedicated to elevating African science, building strong partnerships, and developing solutions that will shape a just and resilient future both for the continent and the world. This initiative puts African expertise at the heart of global conversations on environment, agriculture, climate, and health.”

The launch event featured key contributions from senior university leadership, including Professor Sunil Maharaj (Deputy Vice-Chancellor: Research, Innovation and Postgraduate Education), Professor Wanda Markotter (Director of Future Africa), and Professor Frans Swanepoel (Research Chair in Sustainable Food Systems). Professor Tafadzwanashe Mabhaudhi, Director of the Lancet Countdown Africa Regional Centre and incoming Executive Director of REACH-AFRICA, was also recognised for his role in shaping the Hub’s direction.

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Professor Kaveh Madani, Director of UNU-INWEH and a pivotal figure in the Hub’s establishment, expressed optimism about the collaboration.

“It is a great honour to begin this new journey alongside academics of South Africa and the continent. This Hub will become a vibrant centre of research, education, and outreach, advocating for what is right and what the world needs to know,” said Madani.

Dr Thandi Mgwebi, Group Executive for Global Partnerships and Business Development at South Africa’s National Research Foundation (NRF), highlighted the landmark nature of the initiative.

“REACH-AFRICA is a testament to Africa’s scientific leadership and its readiness to shape global sustainability agendas from the South. The NRF congratulates the University of Pretoria and all collaborators on this visionary achievement,” Mgwebi said.

The UNU Hub will also host the African Academy for Water, Environment and Health (AA-WEH), a pan-African transdisciplinary community aimed at fostering joint research and capacity development with an emphasis on gender balance and context-specific solutions.

The launch ceremony paid homage to the longstanding support of Canada and Japan, countries integral to UNU and UNU-INWEH’s global mission, acknowledging representatives from both nations who attended the event.

Aligned with South Africa’s 2025 G20 Presidency under the theme “Fostering Solidarity, Equality, and Sustainable Development,” REACH-AFRICA is positioned as a key driver of transformative policies to meet Africa’s development goals and tackle global challenges.

The event concluded with a resolute call to empower Africa’s next generation of scientists, researchers, and leaders to build a more resilient, inclusive, and sustainable future for all.