About

Doing things differently, and doing different things: this was the driving force behind the creation of the United Nations Innovation Toolkit. As the United Nations faces a number of increasingly pressing issues, we need to be ready with the means to identify, create, iterate, scope, and scale new and inventive solutions. We’re inspired by what’s been achieved through innovation by different people, teams, and units across the UN and now it’s time to bring these insights together, and work to make innovation the new normal. 

In his own words, the Secretary-General encourages everyone to, “Be bold, be revolutionary….and disrupt…because without innovation, there is no way we can overcome the challenges of our times.” 

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Accessible anytime, anywhere
Accessible anytime, anywhere

Developed by the UN, for the UN, this digital platform — freely accessible anytime, anywhere from your computer, tablet or mobile phone — is intended to help inspire conversations, ideas, and action. This invaluable resource includes 21 tools, step-by-step directions, worksheets, case studies, and references, as well as a 27-question Diagnostic Assessment which provides actionable insight on every user’s readiness to innovate. Discover what kind of innovation profile you have: are you a “Collaborator,” a “Trailblazer,” or perhaps a “Implementor?”.

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UN leadership
UN leadership

The Toolkit, which was developed at the behest of the United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres, and under the leadership of the Secretariat of the United Nations System Chief Executives Board for Coordination (CEB), in close collaboration with the UN Innovation Network and other partners, has been entrusted to UNSSC to ensure system-wide dissemination, coupled with integration into relevant capacity building and innovation efforts. 

A living resource
A living resource

Designed to be a “living” resource, the Toolkit is improved based on user engagement and feedback.

The Toolkit was designed around five foundational elements that are critical when enabling, fostering, and mainstreaming innovation - together, they form the acronym, S.P.A.C.E.: Strategy, Partnerships, Architecture, Culture and Evaluation. 

No matter what the challenge or the newness of solutions that people are attempting to reach, the Toolkit is intended to help the UN stimulate and maintain innovation. Through conversations and interventions based on, and scoped around results from the Toolkit, we can take innovation to unprecedented levels at the UN. It is a critical, and necessary, cultural shift.

Key numbers
Key numbers
186
countries
15,786
UN Innovation Toolkit Users
32
UN System Organizations using the Toolkit
Partners
Initiatives
Initiatives
Services
Services
Training Programmes and Workshops

Customized programmes and courses like the “Innovation by Design Springboard Programme,” based on your specific needs.

E-Learning solutions

E-learning and self-paced courses and modules on innovation and the UN Innovation Toolkit. As a UNSSC service to the UN system, these made freely available for all UN staff.

Webinars and speaking engagements

Learning Events and Innovation Knowledge Fairs for UN staff at all levels.

Advisory services

Consultancy services to improve organizational effectiveness and innovation strategy.

Media gallery
Media gallery
Contact Us
Contact Us