Vision Statement:
The vision of the United Nations University (UNU) Hub for Remote Sensing and Sustainable Innovations for Resilient Urban Systems (R-SIRUS) is to be a leading center of excellence in research, education, and policy development dedicated to advancing sustainable solutions for urban and coastal areas impacted by climate and human-induced factors. The Hub aims to leverage cutting-edge remote sensing technologies and innovative strategies to promote resilience in urban systems, contributing to a sustainable and equitable future for cities like New York and beyond.

Mission Statement:
The mission of the R-SIRUS Hub is to advance scientific research and education in the field of remote sensing, sustainability, and urban resilience. Through collaborative efforts across academic, governmental, and international organizations, the Hub seeks to:

  • Foster a deeper understanding of the natural and human-induced drivers of environmental change, including habitat loss and biodiversity decline.

  • Examine the societal impacts of environmental change—such as extreme weather events, food security, health risks, and environmental hazards—and develop holistic, interdisciplinary solutions.

  • Explore how political processes, international laws, and multilateral institutions (such as the United Nations) can influence environmental policy, ecosystem protection, and sustainable development at local, national, and global levels.

 Objectives:

  1. Conduct Pioneering Research: Lead innovative research in the application of remote sensing technologies to assess, monitor, and mitigate environmental impacts in urban and coastal regions, with a focus on climate resilience and sustainable resource management.

  2. Develop Collaborative Educational Programs: Design and implement joint education initiatives and capacity-building programs that equip students, faculty, and professionals with the knowledge and skills to address the intersection of urban sustainability, climate change, and resilience.

  3. Promote Public Awareness and Policy Advocacy: Engage with the public, government entities, NGOs, and the private sector to foster greater understanding of environmental challenges and promote policies that drive sustainable solutions and resilience-building in urban and coastal ecosystems.

  4. Facilitate Global Partnerships: Cultivate partnerships with international organizations, research institutes, and UN bodies to foster cross-border knowledge exchange, share best practices, and address pressing global sustainability challenges.

  5. Innovate for Sustainable Urban Development: Use cutting-edge technologies and multidisciplinary approaches to propose innovative, scalable solutions for the sustainable management of urban and coastal systems, enhancing their capacity to withstand and adapt to environmental changes.