United Nations
Behavioural Science Group
Behavioural science (BeSci) refers to an evidence-based understanding of how people actually behave, make decisions and respond to programmes, policies, and incentives.​
It enables us to diagnose barriers preventing people from adopting a certain behaviour, understand enablers that help people achieve their aims, and design more impactful interventions.
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In the UN system, interventions leveraging behavioural science are being piloted and applied at the country level and at Headquarters, with early evidence showing clear impact. These successes suggest that there is tremendous potential for impact if this approach can be widely used and embedded across the United Nations.​​
The UN Secretary-General encourages the use of behavioural science
Behavioural Science has gained momentum across the UN since the launch of the Secretary-General's Guidance Note on Behavioural Science in 2021. The Secretary-General's Guidance Note urges the UN to explore and apply behavioural science in programmatic and administrative areas and to work together in an interagency way to realise behavioural science’s tremendous potential for impact towards the SDGs and the mandates of the UN.
The UN Secretary-General’s commitment to behavioural science is reaffirmed by its inclusion in the Secretary-General’s “Quintet of Change”, which highlights key capabilities for a "UN 2.0".
UN BeSci Group Members
UN Entities Engaged
Countries Engaged
The UN Behavioural Science Group connects UN Entities and supports the adoption of behavioural science
Supported by the Executive Office of the UN Secretary-General and the UN Innovation Network, the UN Behavioural Science Group brings together over 5,000 members including UN colleagues from 70+ UN entities and 150+ countries, as well as non-UN observers. Founded in 2019, the Group fosters learning, peer-to-peer collaboration, partnerships and hosts practical discussions at the working and senior levels.
The UN Behavioural Science Group also supports the vision of the Secretary-General and needs of the UN through activities such as publications sharing lessons from applying behavioural science; and bringing behavioural scientists from the Global North and South into the UN to work on projects through the UN Behavioural Science Fellowship Programme.
Melissa Fleming
"Behavioural science insights are essential for us to define the communications tactics that could inspire change. They are the foundation of our approach and should be the cornerstone of every modern, data-based, impactful communications strategy or campaign."
Under-Secretary General
For Global Communications
Volker Turk
"UN 2.0 is about making the organisation fit for the future - agile, forward-thinking and effective. UN 2.0 is guiding the direction of the UN Human Rights Office, as we look ahead to the next 25 years and to ensuring human rights are the solution to humanity's biggest challenges."
United Nations High Commissioner
For Human Rights
Collaborations across UN Entities
Resources & Publications
UN BESCI GROUP
UN Secretary-General's Guidance Note on Behaviour Science
UN BESCI GROUP
The United Nations Behaviour Science Report
UN BESCI GROUP
Practitioner's Guide to Getting Started with Behavioural Science
UN DPPA
Sweet Victory: A Game About Behavioural Science
UNDP
A Behavioural Insights Toolkit for Entrepreneurship Programming
WHO
WHO Europe Knowledge Hub on Behavioural and Cultural Insights into Health
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to turn insights
into solutions.
Join the UN Behavioural Science Group—where UN colleagues and global experts collaborate to solve challenges more effectively and innovatively. Bring your insights from academia, government, civil society, and beyond. Together, let's create solutions that make a difference.
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